Self love is one of those things that can be misunderstood. Just like we take care of our skin and our bodies we also need to take extra care of our souls. Loving yourself is so absolutely important and people spend so much time bringing themselves down. Everyday I try to be a better me. Now, obviously we all have moments of self doubt and reflection. Usually, during these moments we tend to focus on the bad happening around us instead of the good. Even something as simple as making your bed can start your day off positive. It definitely works for me.
Lately I feel like I have been in a “funk”. Not very creative, not taking care of my body, and just plain lazy. I do usually have a few tricks to get myself going again and stop being lazy. This month was one of those where I felt nothing was working. What did I do? I sat down and meditated. I relaxed to the fullest. I didn’t stress about work, bills, or anything for that matter for about 15 minutes. I let myself be. I thought about all the things I love doing and things that really make me happy. I hope my tips work for you and take you out of that “funk”.
1. Take Rest Days
I feel like we live in a society that teaches us that we always have to be moving and evolving. Don’t get me wrong, that is great, but sometimes we need to slow down. Take a few days off, your job will still be there when you come back. It is absolutely NECESSARY to stop worrying about everyone else and just focus on you. When you go back you will be refreshed and ready to tackle what is in front of you.
2. Skincare
Take care of your skin!! When your skin feels great, everything feels better around you. Find a skincare routine that works for YOU and stick to it. Even when you get home late and feel like crashing, take the extra two minutes to take off your makeup and hydrate. Your skin will thank you in the morning. Trust me, this makes my mood feel so much better, I wear less makeup, and its one less thing to worry about.
3. Dry Brush
Girl, if you haven’t tried dry brushing you need to go to your local drugstore and pick one up right now. Again, if your skin feels good, you will feel good. I feel like this one goes hand in hand with skincare. Not only does it make my skin feel amazing and exfoliated, it makes my digestion better, my body wake up, and just overall gives me better health. I will be sharing my dry brush routine soon so please stay tuned if you want to hear more about that.
4. Drink Lemon Water
Wake up, go into the kitchen, and pour yourself a glass of ice cold water. Cut up some lemon slices and throw them in there. This is such a vital step in my morning routine. It helps you feel refreshed and start your day off on a healthy note. It make you feel better from the inside out. C’mon it only takes about 5 minutes, you definitely can make the time.
5. Meditate.
Wake up early, listen to the quiet, and close your eyes. Think about nothing. That’s right, don’t grab your phone, don’t think about work or anything that is stressing you out. Focus on the silence of the early morning. It sounds dumb, I know. Realistically I didn’t even think this would help me, until I started doing it. It gives me a sense of calm and a moment with myself to just relax. I try to do this every day, ESPECIALLY if I know that I’m gonna have a busy day.
6. Make your bed.
This is one of those “adult” things that everyone is “supposed” to do but we never have time. Truthfully, I wish my life included working from home and I didn’t have to be at work at a certain time but that’s just not the case right now. Recently, however I decided to start making the bed. Why? It makes me feel like I already checked something off my to do list for the day and helps me feel organized. I do have anxiety and it usually sparks up when I feel like my life is unorganized. This for me is a form of self love and helps me to not stress out so much.
7. Go exercise.
No, I don’t have time for this everyday if we’re being honest but I do try to plan at least some form of exercise into my day. This could be a full workout at the gym or just simply taking a walk around the block. It helps me clear my mind and release endorphins which helps my anxiety a lot. I also feel in control of my life because I know that I can make changes to my body and feel more empowered. I have never heard someone leave the gym and say ” I regret going today”.
8. Deep Breaths
If you’re in a stress moment and you need a quick fix to release some anxiety deep breaths are the way to go. It instantly calms me down and helps me focus on the task at hand. If you’re one of those people who gets very overwhelmed easily this is a great tip for you.
9. Turn on some candles.
There is nothing better at the end of the day than hoping out of the shower and turning on some aromatherapy candles. My favorite smells before bed are eucalyptus, lavender, and anything clean smelling. Usually my night time routine will always includes some kind of candle or my new Salt Lamp. I am absolutely in love with this lamp. I feel the good vibes it gives out and it send a calming feeling throughout the room. Definitely a must have for me.
10. Wash your sheets.
Not only is it very unhygienic to keep the same sheets on for more than two weeks but fresh sheets are the best feeling. If I am being completely honest the best feeling in the world is getting into bed with freshly shaved legs, clean sheets, and my boyfriend. It makes me feel like I have my life together in that moment. So if you’re feeling stressed, wash your sheets, shave your legs, and hop into bed.
11. Organize Organize Organize.
I am so big on this when it comes to my anxiety. If I am feeling uncomfortable, stressed or just not myself I will make a list. It could be what I have to do that day, organize my finances, or just my grocery list. It is so important to organize your mind and your life and trust me you will instantly feel better. A big one for me is the finances. I am currently trying to buy my first house and overspending is so easy for me that saving becomes a challenge. If I know exactly what my budget is for that week I can plan accordingly and reduce my spending so I can save more.
12. Clean out your bedroom.
Some might classify me as a hoarder, but personally I just like saving memories. When it becomes too much stuff I need to cleanse and get rid of a lot because my anxiety will go through the roof. So about once every two to three months I will reorganize my bedroom. Typically I do this on a day off and I don’t plan anything else for the whole day. My bedroom is like my sanctuary so I like keeping it as clean and clutter free as possible. If my room is clean its almost as if my mind is decluttered.
13. Make a gratitude list.
Some times sitting down and writing all the things you’re thankful for really help you de-stress and realize what is truly important. It makes you take a step back from our everyday struggles and just think about what you really want and what makes you happy. I have quite a few of these gratitude lists lying around now and it great to look back on and re focus every once in a while.
14. Laugh with a friend.
Taking time out of our lives to just hang out with our friends becomes more complicated the older we get. You know those friends that you don’t always need to see to know that no matter what they are there for you? Call them, make plans with them, or just send them a text that you’re thinking about them. It will make you feel better, and it’ll put a smile on their face. Even when you don’t feel like you have the time, make it and trust me you’ll be a lot happier that you did.
15. Treat Yourself.
Finally, the last number on this list has arrived. This something I hold very close to my heart which is the belief that no matter how much money you make, if you don’t treat yourself occasionally then it’s all for nothing. There is no point in spending all those extra hours at work and putting so much effort into that presentation unless you’re gonna enjoy it and reward yourself. Now, I’m not saying to go and spend $1000 on a shopping spree if your bills are a week late. If you have that little bit of extra, even if it’s just $20 bucks, spend it on yourself. Go get a manicure or go buy that blouse you’ve had your eye on, just something to make you feel special.
If you have made it all the way down this list then, thank you. I really hope you put these small tips into your daily lives and remember to focus on YOU! Thanks for reading and stay tuned for my next post!
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Miss Giselle 