
This post is a bit different from what I’m used to writing, but after spending my late 20s and early 30s in total type-A mode with unrealistic expectations of myself and a “sleep-is-for-the-weak” mentality, I decided in 2019 that my word of the year would be “self-care.” I was just tired.
I felt like self-care was for people who had “made it.” Like, once I finally had a successful business, THEN I’d be able to do fun things for myself and enjoy moments of rest and refueling. But until then, I didn’t deserve it. I looked at it as an indulgence, ya know?
Well, I still look at self-care as an indulgence. And I like to INDULGE every day. Because I’m worth it. And I now know that if I don’t make myself #1, I can’t show up for the other people in my life. Or my business.
I actually just started reading Gabby Bernstein’s Super Attractor and the theme of the entire book (which is all about manifestation) is *literally* “feeling good.” And it makes sense because once I made taking care of myself my top priority this last year…
My business took off.
I got pregnant.
I formed more close friendships than I had since probably high school.
So, If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, there’s still time to time declare 2020 as your year of self-care.
And I define self-care as anything that makes you feel good in the moment. So, no, folding laundry is not self-care just because you feel proud of yourself after, ok?
Also, much to my disappointment, compulsive online shopping or drinking one too many glasses of wine is not self-care either according to the Internet.
I try to do 3 self-care activities each day. No, I don’t count them neurotically. But somewhere in the ballpark. I’ve found it to be the sweet spot.
Here’s a list of ideas to get you started in case you were like me a year ago and truly had no idea what self-care even looked like. Give it a shot. For the next 2 weeks, commit to 3/day. Even if you have to neurotically track it at the moment because you’re so far gone from taking care of yourself.
Blast your favorite Spotify channel while you get ready in the morning (even if it has to be on headphones).
Take a nap.
Order a fancy, way-too-expensive drink at Starbucks.
Take your dog on an extra-long walk.
Get a spray tan. You deserve it.
Schedule a workout class.
Read a book.
Make a cup of hot tea.
Call a friend.
Watch something funny on Netflix.
Book a spa day – at home or the spa.
Make cookies.
Eat breakfast in bed.
Aromatherapy – sit down with a book and light up your oil diffuser.
Take an Epsom salt bath with a candle.
Get a massage.
Enjoy nature – go on a walk, a hike, or just go sit somewhere that isn’t concrete.
Go to the chiropractor or acupuncturist.
Grab a glass of wine with a friend.