The wellness world loves to spoon feed us ways to “better” ourselves like a baby curious and willing to explore and try new foods. Do this, don’t do that. Buy this, you need that. Add more of this, cut out that. It’s all hot tips, must-have products, big fads, ace advice — preach, preach, preach. While we know that much of the wellness industry leans, perhaps, a little pretentious, along with capitalizing off of our insecurities with giant dollar signs in its eyes (the heath and wellness industry is currently worth $4.2 trillion according to Medium), there are also some really great practices that you can find while digging through the supplement and celery juice trenches. One of those things that we have to thank the wellness evangelists for bringing to our attention is the awareness and importance of self-care. It seems most of us have a tendency to keep going and going much like that pink bunny in sunglasses that bangs its oversized drum. Taking time for oneself, however, can work wonders for the mind, body, and soul, and when practiced on a regular basis, can help you get back to go-go-going with a calm and centered headspace. For some, it’s about getting zen: meditation, reiki, feng shui, reading your birth chart, the enneagram, and all the other spiritual practices. For others, it’s very necessary self-indulgence: massages, mani-pedis, acupuncture, a glass of wine to cap the evening, listening to Lizzo, or getting lost in a good book. It can be as simple as treating yourself to that extra scoop of ice cream, meal prepping for the week ahead, or investing in that new pair of shoes that you don’t need, but really want. It can also be more complex, wrapped into ideas surrounding identity and self-worth and hard emotions.
Because self-care can be all of the things and everything in between, we want to know: how do you do it? And, how do you know when it’s time to amp it up a little more frequently in the name of sanity? Let’s create a lengthy list of recommendations in the comments section below in celebration of saying “yes” to ourselves and to spark some new ideas to cultivate our own version of happiness. What does self-care look like for you?
Roberta Barcena
September 3, 2019 at 2:23 pmFor me self care, requires some time alone in my bed with some beauty products on hand while creating. Creating what you ask? Whatever! It can be coloring books, drawing or doodling, taking time to write poetry, diving into diy proyects, it can be anything of the sort that makes me feel artsy and creative.
Calli Alford
September 3, 2019 at 2:32 pmYoga;
Reading & Contemplating- books and birth chart;
Writing;
Manicures & Pedicures;
Slowing down to let myself enjoy what I inherently enjoy, even if there’s no material or visible “gain” from it… like sitting outside and basking in the sun or pausing to take in the sound and smell of rain. Things that seem so simple I used to discard them as frivolous but that are completely necessary to the replenishing and nourishing of my soul.
I knew it was time to amp up my self-care when I started feeling like I was never doing anything for myself. I now try to be more aware, but it’s a constant, conscious choice I must make.
Lisa
September 3, 2019 at 5:33 pmMy self-care journey has evolved over the years. I recognize the importance of my non-negotiables more so now than ever before. Right now, an important part of my well-being is getting out of the city (where I live) and going to the farm (where I grew up) to ride the horses, pick up my weekly vegetables and nurture my garden. I love living in the city, however, as a hyper-sensitive person, the countryside is a welcome weekly escape.
Kristen
September 4, 2019 at 11:16 amYoga 2x weekly, and getting up early enough for coffee and writing in silence before the morning madness begins.
Autumn
September 7, 2019 at 9:05 amHow do I do self-care?
– face masks
– watching my favorite movies
– painting my nails
– creating new music playlists
– reading a book
– chai tea lattes
– window shopping
– trying a new recipe
How do I know when it’s time to amp it up a little more frequently in the name of sanity?
– I usually know that’s time for some pampering when I’m overwhelmed at work and with family. I know I need to take a day and destress. I’ll keep my phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode and do whatever I want to do. Some days that’s laying in bed watching my favorite movies or reading. Other days it’s putting on something I feel comfortable in and going for a drive and window shopping. If I buy myself something during the day that’s fine too.
– I get very anxious and uptight during holidays, so I KNOW I have to sept up my self-care during those times.