Nov 13

Nov 13 Quick Tips | Self Care

We’re all busy. We all have a lot on our plates. Life throws each of us curve balls. And sometimes it feels like it’s all too much. Self care feels very overused but also because of the shift we’ve created to the busiest wins mindset it’s taking a lot of methodical decision making to choose to make a change in the hype of each of our lives. To me, self care means to pause our ever running minds and ideas, to-do lists and tasking, meal prep and errands and rest our thoughts or do something for the overall wellness of our lives. Here are my top ten ways to click into the rhythm of self care after it’s been a while or even better to stay in the groove of it after I’ve re-created habits. I hope they offer a fresh idea for you or remind you of something you love that you can set in to your own days.

First of all, participate in a little of taking care of YOU every day. It’s not selfish. It makes for a better you which means while you’re giving the rest of yourself to everyone else, they get a little bit better version of you.

Find a book and read 2-3 pages of it. An actual book with paper, turn the pages, lean into a comfy spot or sit in the car while you’re waiting for the next appointment and read.
Do you love a sparkling beverage? A hot tea? A warm cup of coffee at home? Keep backups of these items on hand so that when you just need a little treat to sip on you don’t have to go to the store. I keep La Croix in the refrigerator in our garage and a cabinet of tea for sleepy nights that are cold.
Kids are in bed? Husbands watching T.V.? Don’t pick up the laundry. Leave the dishes. Pour a glass, light a candle, turn off the bathroom lights and enjoy a HOT shower until all of the hot water runs out.
Take the last idea to the next level and run a hot bath. Invest in a few Bath Bombs and grab that book from above. Double up and read or hell, scroll through your phone and just chill in the bath. I thought they were gross for most of my life but then I got pregnant and it’s like peacefulness and weightlessness in the dark. Also, more candles - remove that artificial lighting as much as possible.
Buy a jade roller. I don’t care if it’s trending and you hate seeing them. And don’t overthink it. Just keep it somewhere handy in your vanity or in the freezer and roll upwards. It feels so good and it can take as little or as much time as you want it to. Or even just spend a few extra dollars on a lotion to rub on your hands and feet before bed.
Carve out time for meditation and/or prayer. Turn off the sonos and/or your phone and just sit for a few minutes to be intentional with grounding where you’re at in life. Diffuse a fragrance that supports mind + emotion.
Go outside and pull weeds for ten minutes or plant something a flower or a fiddleleaf . I know this sounds crazy. Kare, we’re talking about SELF CARE but also reconnecting with using our hands and touching the earth offers goodness for our souls. I promise.
Have a fireplace? Make time to make the fire and just sit in front of it. Let yourself get lost in the little village of ember at the end of it or the warmth from the flames. Be intentional with the beauty of slower living.
I love making oil rollers. It’s like baking without the mess. It feels productive and almost crafty but you can use them to make yourself feel better or a neighbor. The process of making them though feels so therapeutic.
Stretch. Pull out the yoga mat or don’t but stretch. It can include easy leaning from side to side, forward folding and holding your elbows swaying side to side or even using a foam roller. You can fit this in for 1-5 minutes before you get dressed, after you get out of the shower or midday when the day offers that weird lull between 4-6. You muscles will thank you and who knows maybe it will make you crave more movement to make your whole body feel even more taken care of.

This post sponsored by lululemon athletica at Briargate Shops.