Self Care Is The Best Care

I strongly believe in taking excellent care of yourself, but many times life gets in the way of doing exactly what I preach. This weekend I took a much needed break at one of my favorite places,  Serenbe Inn. My husband and I had a restful and relaxing Easter weekend filled with exciting plays, amazing food, and relaxing massages. This got me thinking... maybe, sometimes I need to just unplug my life and take care of me.
As a business owner this can be one of the hardest task to just stop and really enjoy life. I'm sure you can understand my heart when I say that life is going too fast, and I just don't want to miss it by working myself to the bone. So this week I wanted to share with you easy ways to de-stress, unplug, and finally take time for self care.

1. Remove the guilt - As a parent I know it's hard not to feel guilty when you do something for you, but it is so needed. The best way to remove the guilt is to give yourself permission to do that one thing for yourself. Start small, maybe get a mani/pedi, or buy yourself a new treat. It's hard, I know, but think of how good it feels to get a extra treat of ice cream, or to dig into the book you've been itching to read. This one little gift to yourself goes a long way, so don't feel bad, you deserve a break.

2. Plan Ahead - I've talked to so many overworked and exhausted young mothers who can't seem to find the time to take care of themselves. My best advice, plan ahead every month. Give yourself the time and the permission to have one day every month for you. I always enjoyed spending time with my husband on our date night, but even sometimes you just need a break from everything. Carve out time for just you! Go for a mindful walk, plan a dinner out with yourself, or try a new class. Just for you, only you, it's okay to be "selfish".

3. DIY Your Beauty Routine - Maintaining your beauty routine can rack up after only doing a few things. PRO TIP? Find out how to do most things yourself. You can save an extra $50 by learning to do your nails, $150 by learning to make your wigs, braids, or wash and set your hair. Youtube and bloggers have given so many tips and tricks to maintaining your look that anyone can learn to do it. Not only can you look great, you can also save your money!!! Best of both worlds.

4. Try Therapy - A wonderful way to take care of yourself is by scheduling a therapy appointment. Many people don't realize the necessity talking out your feelings with a professional is. I am a HUGE promoter of therapy, and have personally seen the positive effects it can have on people. Whether you're going through a lifestyle change, just had a baby, tackling a new profession, or simply need someone to hear you, therapy is my biggest suggestion for self care. Your mental health is so incredibly important and it is imperative that you utilize resources to stabilize and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

My hope is that these tips will not only change your mindset about self care, but that they will truly change your day to day life. I hope that you will take sometime to simply relax, meditate, and release the things that no longer serve you. I would love to hear how you take care of yourself on the regular. Leave comments below and share with us your best self care tips! Looking forward to reading.

-Patrice