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.