Self Care = Self Love
This February instead of focusing solely on the ones you love try focusing a bit on loving yourself. Self care is the nourishment for the head, the heart and the body according to Suzy Reading in “the little book of self-care”. Self care can be pampering as well as a restorative act. I have come up with my top 10 ways I like to “self care”
1. Treat Myself to a Massage
I try to get a massage once a month and it not only helps me physically but also mentally. Being a mother, wife as well as having three dogs on top of working creates a lot of tension in my body. Getting a monthly massage helps work out those kinks and clears my head. Massage Envy in Milford is my go to for massages. They have a monthly membership that is very reasonable.
2. Light a Favorite Candle
One of the first things I do when I get home is light a candle that I love. I particularly love a scent that includes the outdoors and patchouli. It instantly lightens a stressful day.
3. Go for a Run
If i am feeling like i can’t get out of my own way or on edge I go for a run. Running “mindfully” is the best self care act that anyone can do. It promotes a natural endorphin and ultimately I always feel better afterwards. Best of all it costs nothing.
4. Injectables
I have been a fan of Dysport for years. I started in my early twenties, nothing excessive, just around the eyes mostly. I have also had Botox but I am ultimately a fan of Dysport, I feel it gives a more natural look. I absolutely love how it makes me look refreshed. My husband always compliments me too even though he doesn’t exactly love the idea of injectables. My favorite and most trusted place to go is Grace Medical Esthetics in Southbury.
5. Buying Flowers
Flowers shouldn’t just be something to grab as a gift but something you buy because you enjoy having them in your home. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods both have beautiful and very reasonably priced flowers that will cozy up any room. My personal favorites are white hydrangeas. Bonus is they last for almost two weeks if taken care of.
6. Read a Book
Taking time to sit and read is to me one of the hardest self care acts I try to do. It’s hard to shut off the outside world or social media even Netflix and read. Or I am just plain old exhausted from my day. During the quarantine when my son was still napping I read three books. I loved it! I learned the types of books I enjoy and feel nourished from reading them.
7. Eating Well
One of the books I read helped me understand on a new level how to get the proper nutrients from your daily foods. “Superlife” by Darin Olien really helped me understand that it wasn’t about how good the food looks but where it was actually coming from. The further distance the food travels the less nutritious it is. Seems so basic but had never crossed my mind. I always look to see where my produce is from now. What you put in your body to refuel is what you get out of it.
8. Getting my Hair Done
Personally I hate seeing gray hairs so having my hair colored always makes me feel good. I have so many clients that don’t color but feel the same with a refreshed haircut. Treat yourself once in a while to the conditioning treatments or the added styling. If you walk out feeling amazing then isn’t that the point?!
9. Listen to Music
Listening to my favorite songs. I am old school in the fact that I still use my Itunes playlists. Why not? It’s all my favorite music that I paid for and love.
'Music is a door, and the soul escapes through the melody. Even if it's only for a few minutes. And everyone who listens is freed” Amy Harmon.
10. Resting
I rarely ever nap but resting to me is watching my favorite Netflix or Bravo shows. It’s something that I love to do when I am alone, meaning everyone has gone to bed and I am free to chill, the no judgement zone.