Oh, my goodness, friend! I had a five-hour meeting today, and although it was very interesting (I learned so much about marketing and branding, which was cool), I am SPENT.
After my meeting ended, I started thinking about what I wanted to do this evening to give myself some TLC, and this led me to thinking about self-care, and what it means and the different forms it can take.
For me, self-care sometimes is an occasional spa day, but that typically only happens once or twice a year. Those rare deep tissue massages or facials are lovely, but they’re not enough to refill my well.
When I need physical or mental rest, self-care for me usually means giving myself the space to do absolutely nothing (this is REALLY difficult for me, as I’m a recovering workaholic). Then, I cover the basics in some form, which usually means…
- Eating things that make me feel good. Usually some combination of veggies and/or fruit that isn’t too processed. Drinking lots of water helps, too, as well as not overdoing it with the coffee.
- Moving my body in some way. Even just 20 minutes of stretching helps.
- Getting enough sleep. This is a challenge for me. Sometimes I just want that extra downtime with Netflix because it turns my brain off, ya know?
Sometimes self-care comes in other forms.
For example, about a month ago, El Hub and Connor went to a father-daughter dance at school, and I had a Friday evening all to myself. Even though I could’ve easily vegged out on the couch, I took myself out for a “me time” date! I went window shopping at Nordstrom Rack and then treated myself to frozen yogurt afterwards.
Other times it’s connecting with someone whom I haven’t seen or spoken to in a while. Or re-watching a movie while doing beauty upkeep. Never underestimate the power of painted nails, an at-home wax and brow trim, and watching “Sense and Sensibility” for the ga-zillionth time.
What does self-care look like for you? Feel free to list anything and everything in the comments.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. While we’re at it, here’s a gentle reminder that you don’t need to earn rest. You can just rest!
I wind down in a hot bath! Think wine, snacks, candles. I go all out! And loud singing to the music hahahaha! I can bath for 2 hours. My husband doesn’t understand how this is possible lol. After I feel like a new person.
Eating better once I hit my 60’s made such a difference in my health. I ditched almost all junk food (except gummy bears – my husband under orders that if I finally choke on a handful of them to say at my funeral that “she was killed by bears”.) I am mindful of artificial stuff, and try and eat clean 90% of the time. I also try and walk every day, even if it’s on the treadmill because it’s minus 6 here in Chiberia. Finally, at night no TV, no computer, just some Drowsy Bear (from Kobuc Coffee in Anchorage) tea, a book, and some music.
I have never been much of an exercise buff and I try to eat as healthy as I can, but I do enjoy a treat now and then. Since reaching my 60’s, I have been walking more and started small workouts on the rowing machine we inherited from my late father-in-law. I probably spend 20 minutes on the machine or walk 2 1/2 to 3 miles about 3 or 4 times a week. That’s my self-care. I wish I could sleep better, but menopause has impacted that, but I do as best as I can.
That’s all for now. Be well.
Hi Karen, I am also working on how to reload my batteries. As you point out massages or spa days are rare. So i need somethin for everyday. Today it was riding my bike in sunlight to get the kids. It was so great! I did paint my nails today and thought that would be it. But turns out it was the time outside. I really need to be outside, breath air and see sky. Sometimes I do breathing exercises, that also feels good for me.
Working out three times a week with my trainer is my self care time. I may wake up feeling crummy and not wanting to work out, but when I’m done I always feel so much better. Part of it is the workout and the other part is the rapport I have with my trainer.
I also like to read and when I’m in the mood take a walk.
Every night after I’ve cleaned up from making dinner when Dear Husband asks, “Do you want to watch TV with me?” I’ll say, “yes, but I need to take care of my face first.” And I’ll go upstairs and double cleanse away the sunscreen, then apply my serums and moisturizers and do a little facial massage while I’m at it. Dear Husband sometimes comments on how long it takes me to wash my face and brush my teeth. Ah well, that’s my “Me Time”
I’ve been working on both fun and not-fun self care for the past few years – trying to not do too much while also doing things I need to do to stay okay – physical therapy, seeing my therapist, hand therapy, dental care, etc. I combine my home PT and pilates routine with shows that won’t stress me out and make me happy.
For the more relaxing self-care – I love a bath or a nice shower where I scrub my feet nice and thoroughly, remove hair, moisturize really nice, etc. Reading something really self-indulgent while comfy is so good. Naps with Hettie and Jiji are my favorite weekend self-care, and walking Hettie is great for both our mental health. There’s a really nice park in the new neighborhood.
Speaking of Hettie, she’s doing a trial run at a dog daycare near the new place tomorrow. Wish her luck! 🤞
I put my headphones on, listen to my fav music and get out and move.
Hello, my friend! I love your kicks in the pic. I’ve always thought that color combo was so fun. I can’t believe the father-daughter dance was a month ago. I have a lot of posts to catch up on. I hope you are doing well with the job and that El Hub and Connor are great, too!
Hi Kim,
Work has been crazy, but I’ve been learning a lot, so it’s all good. How are you?
Will both boys be home this summer?
Aww baby girl went on the father/daughter dance already! She’s growing up so fast.