.png)
How do you take care of yourself? Do you even make time to take care of yourself? What does that even mean?
Your life can be filled with work meetings, mowing the lawn, soccer practice schedules, traffic jams, making dinner and lots of other every day tasks....but you can't pour from an empty cup!!
You are probably thinking "What does she even mean by that?"
Self-care is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself because it produces positive feelings and boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Also, self-care is necessary to remind yourself (and others) that you and your needs are important too!!!!!!!!!!
It's exactly like the airplane rule says: Put your own oxygen mask on first so you have enough air to breathe and energy for yourself before you can assist and give to others.
This expression is very true. When you take the time to take care of yourself you will feel stronger mentally and know your worth.
I wanted to share 5 of my personal Self Care Habits that I make part of my regular routine:
1. Reading.
I struggle with being consistent with this, however, I do believe it makes a huge difference. When I talk about reading I don't mean fiction or murder mystery books. I mean reading with a purpose.
When was the last time you picked up a personal development book? Have you ever read one?
If you haven't you NEED to!
I gather a ton of inspiration from these books and they give you a boost in energy and make you feel like you can conquer the world.
"But I don't have time to read!" How much TV do you watch daily? The average American watches 5hrs of TV a day...
5 HOURS! That is a lot of TV!!!
When I watch tv it feels good in the moment but then I am left with guilt because I wasted too much time doing it and didn't get any other stuff done. The things on TV usually don't change my life or make me feel better about anything at all.
So instead, you will find me nose deep in my monthly $10 Amazon Kindle App subscription, reading one of the THOUSANDS of titles I'm able to access.
*Bonus Tip: If you live in Genessee County, the Genessee Library District has an app called Libby that allows you to rent alllllll the books & audio books FREE with your library card!!
2. Take a Vacation.
This is a wonderful self care option and it doesn't have to be expensive or lengthy.
Take a Staycation. Find a hotel in town that is inexpensive and just stay for a night or maybe two. This gives you a break with out being distracted by all there is to do at home (cleaning, bills, work, etc.)
Take a trip up north or visit a tourist town that you have never seen before but always wanted to. One of the great things about our state is that we have so many different #puremichigan destinations to choose from!
3. Having a clean and clutter free home and work space.
I know, I know you are very busy and if you weren't so busy the house would be clean, right?
I guarantee that if you had a clean house and work space your mind would feel less stressed and jumbled.
This may require hiring someone to clean. It would be totally worth the money to have that mental clarity and feel better about yourself.
4. Take care of your body.
This can also take time but it is time well spent.
Taking care of your body can mean many different things. It can mean eating right and not feeding your body fast or processed food. I am no expert on health and wellness but I do know that when I eat clean food and less bread, pastas, and sugars, my mind is like a well oiled machine. I have more energy, less brain fog, and I feel better about myself instead of beating myself up for eating pizza.
Another way to take care of your body is esthetically. Find a friend to go get pedicures with or better yet go alone! Go get a facial or a massage. Get your hair done and try a new style or color. Take a bath and use a bath bomb or salts.
5. Hit the beach!
I know some people don't like the beach. However, there is something to be said about being around water.
“Blue Mind” refers to the meditative state the brain enters when we are exposed to water. Scientists have determined that looking at/enjoying water floods the brain with dopamine, or feel good hormones, naturally. Meaning people exposed to water are often more relaxed and happier in general.
It is so true!! I can not think of a single time I went to the beach feeling down and did not leave feeling better.
*fun fact: No point in Michigan is more than 6 miles from an inland lake or more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes!! The Great Lakes make up about 24% of the WORLD'S fresh water supply!! Unsalted and shark free....we are so lucky!!
I love watching a gorgeous sunset. Get in the car and turn on your favorite tunes and head for the beach. As you get closer, roll down the windows and embrace the smell of the water as you see that beautiful coast line come in to view.
Embrace the smooth soft sand scrunching between your toes, the whooshing of the water hitting the shore while the little birds run along the edge of the water. Take in the most gorgeous sky filled with pinks, blues, purples, yellows, and oranges reflecting as the sun slowly sinks down and disappears past the water line. And be thankful for all you have in life.
There are so many different options for self care but I promise that just trying one of these options will make a huge impact and you will feel incredible after just a few weeks of implementing this into your routine.
