Let’s face it, we live in a society where stress is romanticized. The harder you work, the less time you sleep, and the more ink that drowns out the pages of your planner are now factors that indicate how productive you are. Your social media feeds are flooded with early risers who are telling you 5am isn’t an early enough time to get up and get your day started. Some people thrive on this type of energy, but for those of us who don’t- it leads us to feeling burnt out, or just guilty. There is nothing bad about taking a moment to pause and breathe.
Especially now, after almost 3 years of covid mandates- lock downs, restrictions, and essentially becoming hermits- social interactions can take a toll. Our stamina isn’t quite as vigorous as it was before. With that said, the point of this post is to remind you that it is more than okay to take a pause. I’d recommend taking a whole Sunday to recharge, but for some, this can actually add to the Sunday scaries, so another effective way to reenergize is to spread self-care habits throughout the week. Start and/or end your days with some of the recommendations below, or establish a mid-week chunk of time to them. Either way, whether you sprinkle these habits in slowly, or submerge yourself entirely, you will likely notice a difference.
For starters: put your phone away. Dedicate this time to yourself- and only yourself. Cut yourself off from the world- no calls, texts, comments, DMs, tweets and any social media ingestion. And if you have anxiety about emergencies, here’s a tip: set your phone on “do not disturb,” but “allow notifications” from people you know you wouldn’t want to miss (e.g., parents, kids). Now, set your phone on its charger, away from you. I know it’s difficult to disconnect- we are literally wired to need our phones now (perhaps a topic for a different blog on another day?), but it’s absolutely required to fully commit to focusing on yourself.
- Set the scene
Whether you prefer candles, incense or essential oils, aromatherapy will help set the mood for relaxation. Scents can activate certain areas of your brain tied to emotion, and may even help give you a boost of serotonin and dopamine. Lavender is the scent tied to soothing relaxation, so you can try lighting a candle, like this one to get started. If you haven’t tried incense, click here for a good beginner’s pack that even comes with a free burner. If you want to try essential oils, I recommend starting with a lavender oil for this type of occasion. You can out some drops of it directly onto your skin, in your bath, or in a diffuser, like this one. - Cleanse
This is actually something you can do to signal the beginning or end of your self-care time. A nice, long shower or bath will reset your mind. Wash off your worries and stress- at least for now. - Indulge in skincare
For some reason, the thought of self-care goes straight to pampering at a spa. Whether it’s simply taking the time to moisturize your skin after your shower or bath, or it’s rolling your face with a jade roller after applying your serums, practice some skincare. If face masks are your thing, here is the Aztec Secret Healing Clay that so many people swear by. Don’t forget to include nail care here- some people find foot soaks or painting their nails therapeutic and relaxing- if this speaks to you, add it! Then put on your fluffiest robe, or comfiest pj’s, and be. comfortable. - Meditate
Personalize this one. Meditating can mean sitting in Padmasana and breathing deeply, for others it means laying down in a dark room, and for some if means putting on music or a mindfulness app while they lounge. If you haven’t discovered what works for you- take this time to explore some of these options. - Drink & Snack
Huge emphasis on the “drink” portion- staying hydrated is key to feeling well. A dehydrated body is an angry one, contributing to headaches, fatigue, and aches. If you plan out your self-care plan, make sure you prep for it. Make yourself a mini charcuterie board, get your teas ready. Finger foods that are healthy, tasty, and already on hand will keep the time stress-free.
- Journal
Whether you are recapping your day, or venting out issues- journaling is a tool to help practice mindfulness. It can also help you recognize triggers, negative thoughts, and patterns that need attention and better control, and it can help you release those negative emotions. - Read a book
- OR watch TV without pressures
Today is your day to not care about whether or not you just binge watched 5 straight hours of a show. If this is your happy place, embrace it. - Stretch
This is one that many of us ignore- but we all know that feeling after stretching. Your body feels lighter, looser, and happier. You don’t need to do a full 30 minute stretch routine, but dedicating 1-2 minutes to your biggest problem areas will make a difference, and give you a feeling of relief. Do this at the end of your self-care time. And if you are the type of person who enjoys exercise as a form of self-care, this is an even better ending for your day.
Happy relaxing!
dose of greens 