The other day, as I was walking a client out the door after her relaxing and rejuvenating Swedish massage, she mentioned she was off to do a little shopping. She said it is part of her self-care for the day. As a highly successful business owner, loving mom, and two-time cancer survivor, she knows the importance of self-care and living each day fully. “Yes!” I agreed, “Self-care is essential and something I've personally always made time for.”
We spend so much time thinking about and caring for loved ones, which is amazing and essential. But to sustain the energy needed to care for others, we must also take the time to care for ourselves. Self-care is a way to appreciate ourselves and our lives more deeply. So what exactly is the meaning of self-care?
What Self-Care Means to Me
For me, self-care is about creating moments to pause, plan, reflect, move, and restore. It’s a way to renew myself and prepare for the day ahead. Aside from massages, a strong fitness routine, healthy eating and other fun weekly or monthly pampering activities, I actually practice self-care daily. The activities are free, don't take much time to work into my schedule and, my secret?... it starts the night before.
My Evening Wind-Down Routine
I start winding down about two hours before bedtime. A couple of times a week, I exfoliate with dry brushing or a gentle facial peel. I stretch for a few minutes, shower, brush my teeth, and slip into soft cotton pajamas. After putting my phone away, I take time to journal, then grab a book and a little nightlight and read until I fall asleep.
My Morning Self-Care Rituals
I usually sleep about seven hours, waking up early—around 6 a.m.—to start my favorite part of the day. I head to the kitchen, where I drink about 16 ounces of water as my coffee brews. I add a few drops of essential oils to my diffuser, press the start button, and savor my coffee at the kitchen table.
This is my quiet time to journal and plan. For at least a year, I’ve been using the GrowthDay journal, which doubles as a planner and offers thoughtful prompts. I also keep a smaller journal where I write more freely about my feelings, goals, and plans for the day ahead.
Moving and Rejuvenating
Once I finish journaling, I jump on my rebounder for about five minutes to get my blood flowing, then stretch on my mat for another five. After a quick shower, I go for a morning walk, feeling rejuvenated and ready for the day.
There are definitely days when I skip some of the routine for various reasons, but these are my favorite self care activities that I've made daily habits more often than not.
What are your favorite self care habits? I'd love to know! Comment or message me to share.
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