Invest in Yourself - The Importance of Self Care

If there has ever been a more perfect time to start a self-care practice, now would be it! With so much going on in our lives and within the world at large, embracing a routine that allows for more ‘me time’ could be the best investment you’ll ever make.

Self care is anything that you do that makes you feel more full. Ever had that feeling like you’re pouring from an empty cup? Those days when work is stacking up, school assignments are screaming for your attention, and your social calendar begins looking more chaotic than the week’s worth of laundry?! Our days become so hectic we often forget - or even feel a bit guilty! - for slowing down and taking care of ourselves.

Refilling your cup is the single best thing you can do to get back your energy, motivation, and zest for life. Carving out time each day for a self care practice that allows you to go inward or to do the things that make you feel good will not only keep your mental health in check but will also allow you to give to others more freely and fully.

What is self care and why is it important?

Self-care refers to any type of activity or ritual that helps you to enhance energy, reduce stress, and causes you to feel GOOD!

Feeling good on the inside will grow to expand and show on the outside! When you’re in a state of wellbeing, you are able to be more present. Interactions with others become more meaningful, you become more productive at work, and you are able to cope and deal with stress in a healthier way. When you’re in a state of self-care, you naturally glow more and flow with life in a way that feels easy and free.

Have you ever noticed that your outward appearance tends to reflect whatever is going on inside of you?! When we’re burnt out, skin appears tired, nails are chipped or brittle, we begin to stop putting pride in the way we dress and present ourselves to the world. We’re letting stress dull the inner goddess inside of us that is just bursting to come out and shine!

Reset, recharge & de-stress!

It is so easy for the stress of our daily lives to lead to an absolute burn-out by the end of the week. As women, when we’re busy, we often put self-care last on our list of things to do. Well, it’s time to grab a pencil and your diary! Mark at least one day this week to devote fully to self care. Better yet, aim for at least 30 minutes a day to a self care routine that allows you to reset, refocus and reclaim the beautiful goddess you are!

Ways that you can take care of yourself

Self care is all about knowing your worth! Allow your practice to remind you of your worthiness and to encourage all the amazing qualities within that you can share outwardly with the world.

• Clear your space:Clearing your physical space is a great way to mentally clear any clutter stored in the mind. Whether it’s by tidying your office desk, making your bed, or rearranging furniture in a way that inspires calm or productivity, doing this physical reset can help the mind to follow suit and be more at peace.
• Light a candle:Sights and scents can play a big role in how we feel! A simple act of lighting a yummy candle or incense can instantly uplift and inspire. Even better if it’s while you’re taking a bubble bath!
• Nourish your body:Eating regular, healthy meals that restore and reenergize the body can make you feel ten times better! But if we’re talking self-care, then reaching for your favourite sweet treat is a great way to feel good! Now is not the time to count calories! Delight in that chocolate bar or frosted cupcake and enjoy the moment!
• Meditate:Meditation is more than just sitting in silence and chanting “ommm”! Meditation helps to quieten the mind and all that negative mental chatter that can be so draining on your health and happiness!
• Pamper yourself:Have you ever noticed your mood lifting whenever you get your nails or lashes done? You could have been having the worst day, but as soon as you indulge in some pamper time you feel the weight of the world lift away! An easy way to pamper yourself each day is by wearing your favourite mascara, set of falsies, or lipstick - even if no one else is going to see it!
• Dress up:Dressing in clothes that make you feel confident is another simple yet effective self care practice! Whether it’s that red dress, strappy heels, or those jeans that make your butt look good - get dressed up and notice the change in your whole mood and outlook.
• Move your body:Stretching, yoga, walking, swimming, the gym - exercise is a sign of self care and is something that you should try to incorporate daily. If you notice burnout approaching during those long hours at the computer, it is a sign to get up and get moving! Even better if it involves being outdoors!
• Do an activity you enjoy:Don’t save those brownies for a special occasion! If you love baking, set aside some time to cook your favourite meal or treat. Same goes for any activity that brings you total joy! Whether it’s shopping, reading, gardening, learning a language, or calling up friends, take time to invest in yourself and the things you love.
• Replace guilt with gratitude:It can be hard to take time off, especially when there’s work deadlines or things to do around the house. However, silencing that guilt (the type that pops up whenever you take a 5-minute break while you *should* be working!) is super important. Replace any guilty feelings you might have toward taking time out with things you feel grateful about. Write a gratitude list and vow to never feel guilty for investing in your mental and physical health.

Looking after yourself is what self-care is all about. Enhance the inner radiance that you’ve cultivated with your daily self-care practice.

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