Self Care is Self Love
"Self care is how you take your power back." Lalah Delia
Have you ever found yourself feeling tired, drained and worn out? Maybe you look in the mirror and see a shell of your former self and ask, "How did I get here?" Or maybe you're wondering how to get to that ideal you that you've always dreamt about. Someone who you can look at and feel proud of, because she's the physical and mental embodiment of everything you know you're capable of. If you've never been there, this article might not be for you. But if you've ever asked yourself, "How can I regain my spark? My joy? The zest for life that I once had? How do I become that best version of myself?" then by all means, read on. We'll share some self care routines that you can build into your day to ensure that you're taking care of YOU, even as you're taking care of everyone and everything else.
Exercise
Taking care of your body is such a powerful act of self-love. It's not about achieving a certain look, but about feeling strong and capable. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it's dancing, swimming, hiking, or even just walking. Whatever you do, just move your body in a way that makes you feel good. When you exercise, you're releasing endorphins, which will help to improve your mood. The change in your body will be an added bonus!
Diet
Nourishing your body with healthy foods is one of those tips that we're reminded about so often, that it eventually sounds like a hollow echo. But as cliché as it might sound, it's one of the best things you can do for yourself. It's about listening to your body and givng it the nutrients it needs to thrive and that makes you feel good. Be sure to pay attention to how different foods make you feel, and if you find yourself feeling sluggish or bloated after eating certain foods, it's a sign that your body might not be agreeing with them. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, while avoiding those processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine. Overtime, a stronger, healthier body will emerge that will have you looking and feeling like the gorgeous goddess you are.arel
Skincare
Still going to bed with makeup on? Never again! Ignoring skincare every night because you're soooo tired? A thing of the past! Find a skincare routine that works for you, and be sure to go through with it every single day. This might include cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen; more than anything else, don't be afraid to experiment with different products until you find ones that make your skin feel healthy and radiant. Make your skincare routine your own romantic event and you'll find yourself looking forward to it everyday. Taking care of your skin is one of those little luxuries that make you feel like your best self as you show respect to your body and give it the care it really deserves. Remember, a good skincare routine can boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
Dental Care
Dental care? Romantic, right? Admittedly taking care of your teeth is not something you would normally hear about within the soft life/femininity/self care space. Yet it's such a crucial aspect of self-love in case you didn't know. A healthy smile will help to turn back the clock, to reveal a more youthful you. Who wouldnt want that? Make time to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and visit your dentist for regular checkups. No matter what is going on in your life, don't neglect your oral health, as it can have a significant impact on how you feel about yourself.
Journaling
Journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery and self-love. It's a space where you can express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Not sure where to start? You can write about your dreams, your fears, your hopes, and even your day to day experiences. This will help you to process your experiences and emotions, gain clarity, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. Whatever your reason is for journalling, just try to be intentional about taking time out of your day away from your partner, kids, chores and other responsibilities to reflect on your experiences, as well as to write about the dreams that will help you to build your ideal life.
Rediscover Your Old Hobbies
One of the best ways to reconnect with yourself is to rediscover the things you used to love as a child. Maybe you loved painting, playing the piano, writing poetry, playing sports, reading...or how about coloring? Yes, the same coloring that gave you hours of escape, that nurtured your imagination by taking your mind to some magical faraway place. By taking some time to explore those old passions again, you might be surprised at how much joy they can bring you. Rekindling your hobbies can be a great way to tap into your creativity, reduce stress, and feel more connected to your authentic self. It's also a definitive signal to those around you that you're deserving of leisure and rest
To end, we would like to stress that self care isn't performative. It's something you do for yourself because deep down you know it will lead to a more powerful you. As you carve out your self care journey, be so unapologetic and relentless about getting to that version of yourself that you can comfortably say is the best you. Remember, self care is the highest form of self love