I have always believed in the concept of self-care. I haven’t always practiced it myself, but I did believe in it. During December 2018, I focused on the things I wanted to do. I enjoyed my little vacay in Cape Town where I got to relax & re-evaluate my priorities & decide what my next move is. I think it’s safe to say that I have a greater sense of the direction I am moving in now.
Self-care has become a priority in a way that it was never before. Everyone has their own definition of what self-care is. For me, it’s taking a time out from my schedule to do something that I feel will relax me. There are some things I do in my daily life. But being that I work 6 days a week, I can only really set time aside on a Sunday.
Being active
I love working out, that’s no secret. Heading to the gym helps me in so many ways. It’s the best way for me to truly take a time out. I focus on nothing but the exercise I am enjoying. When we exercise, the body releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, which makes us feel happy. I often walk in the gym not feeling my best, but by the time I walk out I’m feeling great. Other than my workouts during the week, my Sunday evening workout is my favourite. I feel like it sets the tone for my entire week.
Reading
On Sunday mornings I spend an hour reading in bed. It really doesn’t matter what book I’m reading at the time, I just enjoy the time out to do it. I have always loved reading, but found that I barely read anymore. I would keep buying books & reading nothing. But now, reading for that one hour a week has helped me get through a few chapters in my latest read.
Offline
I don’t check social media for at least the first hour I’m awake. If you remember my digital detox from January, I went offline for 1 month. I made it a point not to fall back into old habits, which I haven’t. I have set more than one rule for myself with regard to social media, & not fiddling on my phone in the morning is one of them.
Masking
I love using face masks. Taking care of my skin is something I pride myself in. And pamper sessions have a way of leaving you feeling very relaxed. I try to mask a few times a week, but for the most part I end up multi-tasking so there’s no opportunity to relax. However, on Sunday’s masking is a relaxation session.
Podcasts
Listening to podcasts has become a part of what I consider to be self-care. Podcasts are a great way to educate yourself on topics you are not well versed in. I have just started Refinery29’s Money Diaries podcast. I have read a few of the more than 1000 diaries online & have always found them interesting. Listening to the podcast seemed like the perfect idea. Money is always a tricky topic, & hearing about other peoples experiences with money could be helpful or at least have you looking at things from a different point of view.
I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s self-care post. As a society, we have glorified ‘being busy’ & constantly stressed; I think it’s important to take some time out to do the things that make us happy & put us into a positive mindset, whatever that may be for you. Are you practising self-care? And if so, how do you practise self-care in your daily life?
