Self-Care

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[Image Description: A reading book by an open window. A red pillow sits up against the window frame. In front of the pillow is a lit candle, a mug of tea, a book and a box of matches. All are sitting on top of a white, fuzzy blanket.] Image Source: Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

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Last Wednesday was International Self-Care Day. I did a post on the Olympics instead, but self-care is a very buzzy topic these days, and also something I work very hard at implementing in my life, making it very worth writing about. And in these scary and turbulent times, it’s even more important that we make the space to take care of ourselves.

I am in no way an expert on the topic, but for me, there are two types of self-care. There’s the “treat yo self” self-care (shoutout to all my Parks and Rec fans), and there’s soul/mental health self-care. These are some of my personal favorite ways and ways recommended by others to take part in some self-care:

[Image Description: Screenshot of Retta and Aziz Ansari from television show, Parks and Recreation. The meme reads: Clothes. Fragrances. Massages. Mimosas. Treat yo self!]

Treat Yo Self-Care

• Make a nice cup of tea

• Light your favorite candle

• Give yourself a facial or use a sheet mask

• Get a manicure or a pedicure

• Get a massage

• Get coffee from your favorite local spot

• Take yourself to lunch

• Book a spa day

• Plan or book a trip you’ve always wanted to take

• Have a shopping day (if financially possible)

Soul/Mental Health Self-Care

• Reach out to a loved one

• Take some time to do absolutely nothing

• Focus on the things you can control (even if you need to list them out)

• Volunteer

• Gratitude journal

• Unplug from electronics and social media

• Limit your news intake

• Take time for yourself

• Meditate

• Watch your favorite TV show

• Read a book

• Exercise/go for a walk if you’re able to

• Get outside for 15-20 minutes

• Turn on your favorite songs or playlist

• Set boundaries

• Say no to what you don’t have the time, space, or energy for

• Remind yourself how awesome you are

• Get plenty of sleep

I didn’t include the other obvious stuff like eating and drinking plenty of water, but since those are literally crucial to taking care of yourself, definitely still do those too!

I talked about my “self-care Sundays” previously, but I really try to take time for myself every night of the week. For a few hours every night after work and dinner, I have my “me time.” I catch up on my favorite shows, I write a Substack or catch up on my subscriptions, light a candle, make a cup of my favorite tea (even when it’s 103 degrees), read some of the latest book I checked out from the library, and unwind before bed. Sleep has always been an extremely important part of my life, and I’m lucky that save for the occasional bouts of 3am anxiety attacks, my schedule and body allows for it. I used to be so averse to talking on the phone too, but I’ve started having phone calls with a close friend every week and sending voice notes instead of text messages, and I’ve felt so much more connected to my loved ones.

Self-care encompasses a lot of things but whether you’re taking a bubble bath or setting a boundary with someone in your life, it all serves a very important purpose. I recognize that many of these are easier said than done, especially for people with families or busy schedules. If you’re still COVID-conscious like I am too, I know some of them are much harder too. Regardless, show yourself a whole lot of compassion and do whatever you’re able to. It’s all about taking care of YOU, so you get to decide how exactly that looks.

I’m sure there are many other self-care exercises I missed here too, so I look forward to hearing your favorite ways to “treat yoself” and engage in some good, old fashioned self-care!

Here are some other helpful links on the topic too:

• Caring for Your Mental Health

• Ten Percent Happier Weekly Newsletter

• 20+ self-care practices to help you prioritize your wellbeing

• 15 Acts of Self Care to Try This Weekend