Self Care

I had an "a ha" moment the other day while I was getting ready. A lot of my good thoughts or ideas come while I am in the shower, or I am mindlessly doing my make-up and hair.

As a side note ladies. Listening to an audio book while getting ready is a great way to fly through a couple of books a month. 

It has been a weird week for me. My husband has started a new job and doing a lot of traveling, so it is just me and my little. We are still adapting to this whole kindergarten thing and getting back into a routine of volunteer meetings and Jujitsu classes at night. Needless to say getting ready is not at the forefront of my mind everyday and gym clothes all day have sadly become a norm this last week.

I am a bit of girly girl. I like cute clothes, jewelry, accessories, and most definitely a cute pair of shoes. Now don't get me wrong I can get down and dirty with the best of them, but I will probably look cute while I do it ;) 

I was at a baby shower last weekend and this is what stimulated my a ha moment. At the shower one piece of advice that was given was as a new mom take care of yourself. Get in the shower and take some naps while baby is sleeping. Don't worry how crazy the house looks. I remember being a new mom and I wanted everything to be perfect. A week after I had my son my body was like hold it sista, you are way overdoing it. Since I wasn't chilling out, my body forced me to and I had a horrible case of mastitis and could barely function. I don't remember a time before that, that I had been so sick. 

Our bodies are strong, capable, and very smart. We need to listen to those and hear what they are really telling us. My lips will instantly tell me if I haven't drank enough water in the day. If I eat too many sugar loaded carbs I go into a sugar coma and get a sugar headache. I know better, but yet I still do it once in awhile. insert hand slap to the face ;)

While getting ready and actually putting effort into curling my hair and putting more than a little gym make-up on. I could feel my demeanor change. I felt more confident and a little more at ease. It didn't take a ton of time, about 25 minutes, but when I was finished I was much more ready to conquer the world, even if it was just conquering picking my son up from school, going to Costco, and dropping him off at Jujitsu. 

Now not everyone may have the same feeling or effect that I do from "getting dolled up", but I am pretty certain. Slash that pretty positive that I know if you take a little time for yourself everyday to do something for YOU. You will see a positive change in your life and others will get to reap that benefit from you being a happy, positive, productive individual, so although you may be doing something for yourself. It is not selfish!

Here are a few ideas to start practicing self care.

• Give myself a pedicure or a manicure.
• Read a book or magazine for an hour.
• Sit on the front porch. Just. Sit.
• Take a bubble bath—complete with candles and calming music.
• Pick or buy a bouquet of fresh flowers.
• Take a leisurely walk without a goal.
• Put on a homemade face mask.
• Give myself permission to binge watch my latest show obsession without guilt.
• Take a nap.
• Order in dinner.
• Do something crafty: coloring, knitting, sewing..
• Go to the library or bookstore. Sit in a comfy chair and read.
• Watch funny YouTube videos.
• Sit in the grass and watch the clouds float by.
• Look at the stars.
• Have a dance party to my favorite music.
• Take a mental health day—and feel not an ounce of guilt about it.
• Burn a candle or diffuse some oils that have scents that bring me joy.
• Sit in a coffee shop and sip on a luxurious drink.
• Walk around the fancy grocery store without a list. Buy some stuff just for fun.
• Try out a new hobby.
• Do yoga.
• Cook breakfast for yourself before anyone else.
• Sing at the top of your lungs. Preferably in the car and with the windows down.
• Go for a drive—no destination required. (My favorite)
• listen to the latest episode of my favorite podcast.
• Have a 20 minute stretching session.
• Go to the park and play on the playground. Be a kid again!
• Go swimming (for fun, not exercise).
• Plan out an extravagant vacation just for fun.
• Wear an outfit that makes you feel great. Even if you have no reason. You are the reason
• Declutter a spot in the house that’s been bugging.
• Write a list of “annoying tasks” that have been weighing you down and knock them out in an hour.
• Watch the sun rise or set. Don’t take any pictures or post about it on social media. Just watch.
• Have a picnic (by yourself even).
• Go to bed early or sleep in late.
• Research something that I’ve been interested in but haven’t had the time to dive into.
• Edit who you follow on social media (if they don’t bring joy, they gotta go—no matter how nice, inspiring, or cool they are).
• Go to a museum: art, childrens’, history, science—whatever brings me joy that day!
• Get a massage.
• Spend time out in the garden.
• Take the time to do your hair and makeup, for no other reason than it makes you feel put together.
• Write a list of 10 things your grateful for and why.
• Make a batch of infused water to sip on.
• Buy a new set of pens or markers.
• Write a letter (or an email) to an old friend.
• Cook a fancy meal for no other reason than I deserve a fancy meal.
• Say “no” to someone.
• Go to the movie theater by yourself.