Self-Care Sunday
As spring rolls in, it usually brings about more events, weddings, showers, activities, outdoor work etc. With all the hustle and bustle of every day life, it's so easy to forget to take care of yourself but it is so extremely important! I find myself carving out a good amount of time each week to recharge and refocus so I can be the best version of myself. With all of the busyness, neglecting yourself in order to accomplish everything else happens to us all, but here are some ways I've been showing some self-love!
Daily:
Gratitude Journal- This year, I started writing in a gratitude journal daily for 3 things I'm grateful for, what I learned and what a challenge was. I also found this one that is weekly, and I love them both. They help you focus on the things that matter.
Meditation- In January, I also purchased the Headspace app on my phone and have really enjoyed it. There are basic voice-guided meditation packs and ones for various scenarios and it helps clear the mind to focus.
Skin Care Routine- I wrote a whole post about this, and this is part of my daily self-care. I love my skin care routine and really feel better when I know my skin is happy! This post is linked here.
Salt Rock Lamp- I work remotely so I have to spend long hours in my home office and this helps brighten the space and they supposedly has benefits such as inspiring creativity. You can see mine in my office tour post here.
Essential Oils- Right next to my salt rock lamp is my essential oil diffuser! Based on my mood, time of year or anything else, I make an oil blend that goes on through the day.
Weekly:
Flowers- Every time I go to the grocery store, I pick up a small bouquet of fresh flowers (usually around $2-$6 pending what kind) purely because they make me happy and I like looking at them in my kitchen.
Healthy Meal Planning- If you're going to try to eat healthier, it's important to have a plan so you're not just staring at a frozen pizza at 6pm or defaulting to mac n cheese (I am guilty of both when I have no plan!). On Sunday, I look at the groceries we have and try to figure out some options for the week's dinners. Breakfast and lunch are easy to do on the fly for me.
Reading- There is no better way to unwind than with some tea in bed with cozy blankets and a good book. I try to read something once a week that isn't on social media - even if it's just a magazine.
Monthly:
Mani/Pedi- If my nails are nicely done, I feel 1000x more put together. This is more of a personal peeve, but I HATE chipped nails. I get an SNS dip on my fingernails every 3 weeks and it lasts and looks great until the end. Every 6-8 weeks, I get a shellac pedicure, which again, lasts until the next time and I get them redone once they grow out. It makes me feel so much better for the 2 hours a month it takes!
As often as possible:
Vacation- One thing that recharges me greatly is a vacation away. I love all-inclusives in particular because there is no rush, no stress and you can basically have anything you desire in a pretty quick time period with no strings or cost attached. I love adventurous vacations to new cities (Paris, NYC) but there is little relaxation for me on those because there is so much to see and do. To recharge, I love heading to Cancun's turquoise waters.
Spa Day- This is an unrealistic one to do constantly, but once in a while I like to treat myself to a massage, hair cut and color or full on spa day pending the occasion. So grab your mom or bestie or even hubs and go get pampered!
Yoga- Yoga is so fantastic I can't say enough good things. I don't always practice what I preach, but it's a great mix of meditation and exercise and I try to do it even if it's in small spurts.
Nature- I am really not outdoorsy and hate sweating, but I know nature is still important to recharge. On nice days, I'll take Rudy for a walk in the morning or during lunch on our walking trails or at the very least drink my morning coffee outside.
Little things:
Organization- Marie Kondo's book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up was great. It really resinated with me and if my environment is a mess, I can't focus on anything. Part of having a tidy home is getting rid of anything that doesn't bring you joy. While I can't get rid of absolutely everything, I love a good purge and do it constantly to make more room for extra space or for new things I really love.
The little things make all the difference to me and make each mundane experience a little more enjoyable. Need to cook dinner or clean the house? Put on your favorite music and light a candle! Everyone needs to sleep, so get fabrics you enjoy or sleep on a silk pillow case. Self-care can be as simple as indulging in your favorite coffee drink or cocktail or not depriving yourself from your favorite food!
Lastly, this is all feasible based on your priorities! It drives me crazy when people ask "how do you have time for (fill in the blank)" - and not just to me but to others as well. I am sure most people these days spend hours mindlessly scrolling on your phone (myself included) or other activities where you could easily swap a few out for some items that bring you more peace and joy!
XO