Beautiful people, happy hump day! Today's blog will just touch on self-care...
Nothing wrong with a little refresher...
Self-care means taking the time to do things you enjoy. Usually, self-care involves everyday activities that you find relaxing, fun or energizing. These activities can be as simple as reading a book, listening to music, date or family night, treating yourself to a bath (see below) or just enjoying the company of others.
It is so easy to forget incorporating self-care into our daily life routine. We must make self-care a priority; there will always be other things to do; nothing should interrupt the time you set aside for self-care; instead try something specific such as taking a walk, planning family or date night (the what, where and when).
Self-care should be a habit. We fall off when we are not consistent with a good habit. Using self-care just once won't have much effect on reducing stress, choose activities that you will do often and will stick with.
Set boundaries to protect your self-care. You don't need a major obligation to say "no" to others-your self-care is reason enough; remind yourself that your needs are as important as anyone else's. A few minutes of self-care is better than no self-care at all. Even if it's just a walk around the block or treating yourself to something indulgent like a decadent dessert (my weakness-vanilla ice cream with pieces of Godiva dark chocolate). Often, even the act of shutting yourself from the world by way of closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths fulfills self-care.
Unhealthy activities don't count as self-care. Using drugs, drinking excessively and other unhealthy behaviors might hide what is really going on, but in the short, to long term, it will escalate issues that are being masked-there is no self-care in that.
Keep up with self-care, no matter what. Doing so will have you in a healthy headspace...
One of my favorite self-care routines is what I refer to as my soul bath; I find it so soothing that it relaxes both my physical, emotional and spiritual being.
Soul Bath
Epsom salt
Himalayan salt
Essential oils (I am a BIG fan of Lemongrass and Lemon Verbena; you should choose an essential oil that you enjoy)
Herbs/flowers (my go-to herbs are chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm. My flowers, red and white roses)
Candles/Incense (again chose a scent that you are comfortable with, that will encourage relaxation. I use Nag Champa incense).
Bathwater should be at a temperature that is comfortable.
As the water is running, add each ingredient one at a time...
Once everything is in the bath, light your candle or incense; as you are doing this, state an intention ("I intend to be more thoughtful in how I interact with my staff")
Finally, step into your bath and relax...
"You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously."
-Sophia Bush
