Self Care Sunday: Keeping Yourself Healthy Inside and Out

I know that I keep preaching self care, but are you listening to me, and taking that on board? You can't keep putting it off, because that's not a very healthy attitude. Thankfully for you, I have inherited my mother's bossiness, and as such, I'm going to keep harping on about it, because, well, really, I need you to be healthy - emotionally, mentally and attitude-wise! After all, we can't move forward as a society without taking care of each other, and we can't take care of others, if we don't first take care of ourselves. I know it sounds a little flowery. but that doesn't make it any less true.

2020 has been a big year. Umm, well, that's probably the polite way of putting it. 2020 has been an absolute mess of a dumpster fire, and at this point, I feel like this year is going beyond redemption, and I don't know that there will be any one event to fix it.

The good news, at least, is that it's not our job to fix it on our own, but it is our job to look after ourselves, so that we can better tackle what difficulties we are faced with. After 12 years of working in the one field, full time, dealing with the public on a daily basis, I've definitely learned the importance of carving out time for myself. What exactly does that mean? It means different things for different people, and when it comes to me, it depends on the amount of time that I have.

5 minutes:
Happens on a busy work day, between consultations, while waiting for someone to turn up... you get the idea.
Grab a quick bite to eat, take a swig of water to re-hydrate, and while you're doing so, take a minute to stand still and allow your heart to slow down, and inhale, and exhale. On a crazy day, it's amazing how much calmer you can feel when you've got a 5 minute window.

15 minutes:
Have chores to do, taking 10 minutes off while you're working on a project, just got home from work and you're trying to shut out the world and take some time for yourself - we've all been there.
Give yourself a gentle spritz of a moisturizing spray to refresh the skin, wipe away traces of anything left from the day, and let the motion of that also take away any negative thoughts, or allow it to give you time to reflect on your day. Then, once you're done, pop on a sheet mask or under eye mask, and run a face massager over your face, letting the tension drain away from you. Relax, and take deep breaths.

30 minutes:
End of the day, start of the weekend, deliberately taking some time out because can and you shall. This is the very least amount of time you should be blocking off to look after yourself. 
The world is your oyster! Slow down, find your center, and tend to your hair/skin/body. My routine varies, depending on what needs some extra TLC the most. I might be in the mood for a scalp massage and hair mask, or an intensive face mask while I soak. Perhaps even a bit of loving for the hands and nails, so that they don't look ill treated in a time when hand washing is a rampant and more than regular activity. As a great side effect, you will look amazing, but the main purpose is really to also help you relax, allowing for you to quiet your mind, and letting all negativity seep from you. Essentially, the options are limitless, but the goal remains the same - soothe your mind, and soothe yourself.

So remember, if you're feeling bogged down, stressed out, or otherwise just need a break, take a breather, treat yourself like you deserve to be treated, and let your mind just zone out, so that you can feel revitalized and refreshed.

What is your go to routine for self care?

*These products were provided for editorial consideration