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…
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My business took off.
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I got pregnant.
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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.
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Blast your favorite Spotify channel while you get ready in the morning (even if it has to be on headphones).
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Take a nap.
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Order a fancy, way-too-expensive drink at Starbucks.
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Take your dog on an extra-long walk.
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Get a spray tan. You deserve it.
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Schedule a workout class.
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Read a book.
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Make a cup of hot tea.
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Call a friend.
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Watch something funny on Netflix.
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Book a spa day – at home or the spa.
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Make cookies.
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Eat breakfast in bed.
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Aromatherapy – sit down with a book and light up your oil diffuser.
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Take an Epsom salt bath with a candle.
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Get a massage.
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Enjoy nature – go on a walk, a hike, or just go sit somewhere that isn’t concrete.
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Go to the chiropractor or acupuncturist.
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Grab a glass of wine with a friend.