Self-care is extremely personal and should be customized to fit YOUR needs.
It’s important to address that before you keep reading because what works for me will not necessarily work for you. However, I want to share these habits with you because they really do work for me and if I can give you ideas that will make you feel like your best self then, I have done my job.
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I can’t believe how much I was neglecting myself and working myself into the ground without ever taking a second to thank my body and mind for everything they do for me daily. Here’s a list of all of my favorite ways to care for myself.
1. Solitude & Ambiance
Solitude is like oxygen for me. I need to be alone like I need to breathe for at least one full day per week to rest, recharge, and just be still. Sundays are my favorite day of the week and I’ve spent them almost exactly the same every week for years.
- Waking up to feel good music (like my Sunday Brunch playlist)
- Eating healthy, full, well-prepared meals
- Movement or lack thereof – whatever my body wants
- Lighting candles all over my apartment
- Soaking up the sun and fresh air
- Enjoying fresh laundered clothing & bed sheets
2. ‘The Good Things’ List
I have a tendency to downplay all of the good things in my life by not celebrating or acknowledging the small strides I am making toward my goals. I expend a lot of energy focusing on the huge, grandiose end goal and don’t appreciate the checkpoints along the way. This causes me stress, frustration, sadness, and self-doubt. So, I make a good list; I write it out in my journal with a good old fashioned pen and paper. All of the good things – no matter how small – go on the list. A good cup of coffee. A good workout. A sunny day. A compliment at work.
3. Music & Dancing
I am that girl that blasts music and dances around in her bedroom alone. I dim the lights, light a candle, and blast the speakers with whatever I can move to. Salsa, bachata, merengue, EDM, anything with a beat. IT’S AN AMAZING RELEASE. There’s no judgement and there are no rules. Just you and the beat. Try it, it’s truly so fun.
4. Showering
Hi, I am the Shower Queen. What feels better than singing in the shower, being super clean, smelling great, then, putting on some clean cozy clothing? NOTHING!
- Buy soaps and bathroom products that have relaxing smells. They’re not expensive, I promise.
- Light a candle in the bathroom before you shower. It’s a game-changer!
- Have clean, cozy clothes ready. My go-to is loungewear sets and my cozy robe.
5. Movement
Stretching, Yoga, HIIT, Walking anything works. Moving your body is so important for your physical and mental health.
6. Creating & Writing
7. Cooking
8. Calling a friend/family member
This is one of my favorites! During this pandemic, it has been so hard to have moments of connection with others and I can’t believe how much I took it for granted. Facetime-ing my friends or family members to catch up with them or just to hear their voices is so calming. I feel like we are in a time where everyone is seeking comfort, love, laughter, and stillness and so, conversations are free-flowing, open, and therapeutic.
9. Cleaning & Organizing
Sometimes my mind feels cluttered and messy because my space is cluttered and messy.Organizing your laundry, a quick sweep, some dusting, and lighting a candle helps open up more room for breathing and thinking. In turn, my mind will feel less stuck, trapped, and cluttered.
10. Sleeping
Sometimes all you need is a nap or some rest to get you back up and running like you want to.