With the new year just starting, I think it’s a great time to start doing some things you’ve been putting on the back burner in years past. I recently read something about taking time for yourself so you can take care of others and it really struck a cord in me. I do help my husband with various parts of his business, but for the most part I’m a full time mom. At times, I can feel stretched kinda thin, especially since Logan’s health has been pretty sketchy this school year. So taking time to decompress at the end of the day is very important. Here are a few ways I like to take time out for myself, and hey! Maybe you can incorporate them in your routine too!
listed this as number one because I personally find this most important in my self-care routine. I rarely let a day go by without reading a few pages out of a book. Even if things are crazy hectic, I can usually steal away a few minutes either before bed, waiting in the parking lot for Logan to get out of school, or some other slow moment when I’d ordinarily be checking instagram. (Book: The Best-Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis)
2. Face Masks – When used appropriately, this can be the most valuable tool in your vanity. The problem is unfortunately, that most women don’t know what skin type they have, and will buy face masks just because they like the way the box looks. If the product isn’t suited to your particular skin, it really won’t make a difference at all. I am not an esthetician, and you should consult a professional for all your skin care needs. However, taking 20-30 minutes once a week to relax with a face mask, can do wonders for rejuvenating your skin for the entire week! (For optimal results, I’d recommend combining a face mask with spa music while lying down. Relaxing the facial muscles while using a face mask seems to double the benefits, for me at least). Spa Life Tea Time Face Masks work wonders on my sensitive skin, but I also love these Rose Water Masks by The Creme Shop! (My robe is old “In Bloom” brand, but I love this similar black velvet one here!)
3. Always have water – whether it’s a plastic water bottle, or a cute reusable one, I’ve been trying my best to treat my body right by keeping it hydrated. This isn’t something that comes easy to me. I seem to only be thirsty while eating meals, otherwise I rarely feel like I need water! But I’m working hard at increasing my water intake because we’ve all read about the many benefits. We know it’s good for us, so why not just take an extra 30 seconds out of your day to be prepared? Before going out, I’m working on always remembering to take that brief moment to fill up my water bottle and be prepared for whatever my day brings! (Old Lilly Pulitzer water bottle, similar here for $15!)
4. Text an Old Friend – Everyone gets older and gets busy with their own life. It’s inevitable. But taking a brief moment out of your day to think of someone out of the blue, may be just the thing to lift both of your spirits. I recently had a friend who lives out of state send me a quick text to let me know they missed me and were hoping to be in town in Spring. It honestly made my whole day just seeing her name pop up on my phone! It’s a small thing, but a quick text can bring a smile to someone’s face, rekindle an old friendship, or just keep tabs on someone who you were thinking of so you can make plans at a later time. (Bando phone case in lady of leisure – one of my favorite patterns ever, btw!)
5. A Relaxing Bath – This by NO means works out for me every night unfortunately! However, if I can squeeze in a bath once a week, or even every other week, I’m as happy as a clam. I will usually put my hair up, turn on the bath water as hot as I can stand it, and add my favorite bath salts. I like these rose scented bath salts I found because they remind me of Spain, one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited. My other favorite bath scent is Thymes: Clary Sage Tea, but they’ve discontinued it and I’m having the most hard time tracking any down! Whatever scent you choose, make sure it’s one that makes you feel like you’re indulging. I either put an eye mask on and relax for awhile, or bring a book in with me, depending on what mood I’m in.
I hope these ideas have helped and that you’ll be able to incorporate these in your own self-care routine. Don’t forget, it’s ok to take time for yourself without being the least bit selfish!
Disclaimer: this post is my personal opinion and I was not compensated by any companies that may or may not be mentioned. Likewise, I was not compensated by any companies linked above.