Me time. Pampering. Self care. Whatever you call it – we all need to take a little time for ourselves every now and again.
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The month of July is dedicated to taking a bit of time out for myself. Now I’m not talking about a lot of time. In fact, as little as five minutes is all it takes to refocus and recharge in order to be more present and together.
“Remember to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
– Unknown
Related: January – Drink More Water
Related: February – Sober Month
Related: March – Spending Freeze
There’s any number of activities one can do to treat ones self. But here are a few of my self care strategies that I enjoy (aside from my blog!).
At home mani and pedi.
As much as I love a pedicure or manicure from a spa, I just don’t wish to over spend on these particular indulgences. I’d rather buy $50 nail polish and fancy foot cream in order to do my own hands and feet in the comfort of my own home. Nail polish (on toes or fingers) always fits so this is an immediate uplifting feeling! This simple self care act is something I do multiple times a week for as little as 5 minutes to as long as thirty minutes.
“Self care isn’t selfish.”
– Anyone Who’s Practiced Self Care (literally!)
Reading a book at bedtime.
Reading is something I don’t do often and I wish to change that. I enjoy reading, especially at bedtime. It helps turn off my brain at the end of the day and to relax myself before falling asleep. I stare at a computer all day for work, not to mention my phone throughout the day, and it’s helpful to refrain from screen time in the hour(s) getting closer to you bedtime. I’m currently reading The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck and I’m enjoying it more than I expected to. Hey, this one’s a double shot of self care – reading for relaxation and choosing a “self help” type book to read!!
“It isn’t selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and make your happiness a priority.”
– Mandy Hale
Getting into running again.
I haven’t been exercising for the past few months and I can really feel it – both physically and mentally. I enjoy running and it works for me. Simply throw on my runners and head outside! I don’t need a long run either. Just 20 – 30 minutes of fresh air, my feel-good tunes, and time to myself to de-stress and unload the day. I feel really good after a run and I hope it sticks for the long term.
“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.”
– Unknown
A quick morning yoga flow.
With running, for me, comes tight hips and sore knees. So a 10 minute yoga flow after waking in the morning really helps to get my body moving and stretch out my sore joints. I’m not getting any younger and yoga helps a lot. Any yoga session, no matter how long, can have a calming effect on, not only your body, but your mind as well. Deep breathing, focusing on your movements, and letting go of all the stress is amazing! Namaste.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
– Anne Lamott
Enjoying a bevvy.
Sounds simple right?! But I love a cool sip in summer (not always spiked!) and a soothing cup of tea in the colder months. A simple cocktail or herbal tea is all it takes sometimes in order to relax and unwind – after work especially. In summer I’ll sit on the deck and just chill. During the winter, a tea after dinner really calms me and helps me relax. Simple pleasures!
“Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort.”
– Deborah Day
Whether you journal, cross fit train, go to a shooting range, take a soothing bath, or go for a bike ride – take time for yourself and nourish your body and soul. I know – we’re all busy – but the are 24 hours in every day! Schedule it on your phone or pencil it in on your calendar. Make an appointment with yourself! Your worth it!
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