A Guide to Self-Care: Let’s Relax!

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”

Anne Lamott

Let’s talk self-care! Honestly, it is so easy to forget to take care of yourself. From school, jobs, friendships, relationships, being a parent (if you are one) remembering to put yourself first can be hard. It is very important to find the time and space to take care of yourself. If you do not practice self-care, you will notice an increase in anxiety, distractibility, depression, anger, and fatigue. Ask yourself: If I cannot show up for myself, how do I expect others to? Below are some of my favorite versions of self-care.

Mani-Pedi’s

I absolutely love getting my nails and toes done; I can scroll on Pinterest for hours looking at nail designs, and I am even in a nail art group on Facebook. Budgeting keeping my nails done so I am not overspending every pay period helps a lot. What also helps me is once a month getting a gel pedicure and a set of acrylic nails. A gel pedicure to me is always the best way to go because they last so long. Even if you do not like going to the nail salons or it is not in your personal budget, there are other options. Press ons are very quick, easy, and cheap, along with at home pedicures.

Putting your phone on DO NOT DISTURB

Want to know the best thing about cell phones? You can put them on do not disturb. My friends and family hate that I always have my phone on do not disturb. There is a rhyme and a reason behind it for me. When my phone is off do not disturb, and vibrates, I feel the immediate need to respond. It can be like a ball and chain personally. It allows me to have the space to respond when I am ready.

A Morning and Night Routine

How you start your day and how you end your day is so important. I am in no way saying that every day is perfect and you will stick to your routines; I would be lying if I said that. What is important is attempting to show up for yourself. When you wake up try not to immediately check your phone or email. Take time to breathe, maybe stay in bed for a few extra minutes, make breakfast, or get some sort of exercise in. When I would go for a walk or do some sort of workout before work, my mood was amazing. I did fall off my before work routine for awhile but I am making an effort to get back. Before bed I attempt to have a routine; shower, lather my body with my favorite body oil, brush my teeth, wash my face, and either read, journal, meditate, or watch tv.

What are some of your versions of self-care?