It's a fact: we all deserve some self-care time. We're overworked, overtired and underpaid. We're also human beings with feelings and emotions that need to be taken care of. So if we don't do it for ourselves, who will? The answer is simple: you! This time of self-care is just what the doctor ordered, so grab your favorite mug (or glass) and let's get started.
You deserve some self-care time
You are worth it. You deserve to take care of yourself and spend time on activities that make you feel good, both mentally and physically. Self-care is not selfish, it's necessary!
It's important to remember that self-care isn't just about spending money on expensive things or taking lots of time away from your regular routine--it can be as simple as taking a bath or going for a walk in nature. Whatever form it takes for you personally, it will make all the difference in how much energy and enthusiasm you have for life in general.
Make time for yourself.
Set aside some time to care for yourself, even if it's just for 15 minutes a day. You'll feel better and more energized after taking care of yourself in this way.
Make a date with yourself (or at least make plans), because if you don't actually schedule time in your calendar it won't happen! Don't put off doing something nice for yourself because you think there isn't enough time or money--you deserve those things too! And remember: no matter how busy we get, guilt is never an excuse not to take care of ourselves!
Plan your time and get everything ready so you're not forgetting everything. What does your ideal night of self-care look like to you? Plan your favourite foods to eat, get on your comfiest clothes. Get all your self-care products ready (whatever they may be) and put that phone on do not disturb!
Here are some of my favourite things to do...
Take a bath or shower with soothing essential oils.
The first step to any evening of self-care is to get into the bathtub and surround yourself with warmth and comfort. To make this experience even more enjoyable, add some relaxing essential oils to your water. (pour them into a cup of milk first so they can emulsify). Lavender is often recommended for its calming effects, but there are many other options out there that can help you wind down after a long day or week. Try adding some frankincense or roman chamomile if you're feeling adventurous!
Once you've added all of your ingredients to the tub, it's time for music--and not just any music: relaxing tunes will set the scene perfectly as they fill up every corner of your bathroom while helping draw out tension from muscles throughout your body (which may have been holding onto stress).
Snuggle up with a book and a herbal tea.
There's nothing that I love more than sitting in our biggest armchair and wrapping myself in a blanket. I then pull out my kindle and sink into a great book with a cup of my favourite herbal tea.
Spend some time in meditation
Why not try wearing an eye mask and put some of my botanical essences in your oil burner. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by peeking your eyes open. Have on your comfiest clothes and make yourself nice an warm - maybe even wrapped in a blanket for extra cosiness.
Go for a walk in nature
Don't just walk outside and wander the streets if there's no nature around you. If you have to, jump in your car and drive to a beautiful spot to go for a walk. Try and take in as many types of nature and wildlife that you can. Visit somewhere with lots of grass, trees, water and animals.
Use this time to do something that makes you feel good about yourself.
You can do anything you want during this time, it's your time. Read a book or watch a movie, meditate or journal, do a craft project - whatever makes you feel good about yourself.
You could also use this time to make phone calls to people who make you feel good about yourself. Reach out to old friends and family members who have been on your mind lately but whom you haven't spoken with in a while.
It's important for everyone to take some time for themselves.
Self-care is a way of taking care of yourself. It's important for your mental health, and it can help you relax as well as be more productive.
We're not talking about anything fancy here: just time to make yourself feel good without any distractions.
Self-care is completely about what you love and what makes you feel good. Ask yourself on the day these two questions...
"How do I feel?"
"What do I need?"
Then use these answers to build your plan of self-care and whatever makes you feel good about yourself - do that thing!
Thank you so much for reading,
Lots of love,
Emmaline
Comments