Is Self-Care sometimes the last thing on your list? If I’m being honest, most times it’s not even ON my list. As I’m still awake writing this at 5 am, I confess, it was not on my list yesterday and it’s already looking rough today. So I’m right there with you on this journey.
One thing I’ve learned is that the romanticized version of self care doesn’t really do it for me; the expensive spa dates and overpriced facials. As much as I love to indulge in those on special occasions (gift cards are always welcome LOL), if I want to be real about taking care of myself, I need to do it on the daily.
So today I’m sharing 5 ways to swing a little more self care into your Monday-Friday step, with 5 songs to get you in a self-indulgent mood.
1. The Quickie: Simple Self Care
All day Spa days are fun, but you shouldn’t wait for the weekend or a day off to have self care as part of your routine. It should be an everyday thing. Keep it simple and give for yourself a quick fix. It’s as easy as stepping outside to get a breath of fresh air, taking a five minute dance break from the computer or pausing to enjoy an icy glass of lemonade. Short, sweet and refreshing.
Song Recommendation: Miguel: Quickie
2. The Friends With Benefits: Social Self Care
When you work alone, especially from home, the grind can get lonely. Let’s be real. As much as I enjoy having full on conversations with myself, my dog and my plants, there are days when I just need some good old girl talk. Get that social self care in, and phone a friend. It’s perfectly okay to take a moment to share, laugh and connect with someone who reminds you of who you are, outside of your responsibilities.
Song Recommendation: The Noisettes: Never Forget You
3. The No Strings Attached: Social Media Self Care
Yes it’s a thing. Just like Social Media Mental Health is a thing. The internet can be a lot to navigate. It doesn’t matter if we’re using our platforms to run a business, support a cause or just share our personal journey, nowadays we’re our own PR agents and we feel pressured to put out ‘statements’. Issa whole job! But as a wise woman once said “It’s PR not ER”... meaning that no one will die if you don’t post every day or can’t reply to every comment. Give your ‘online self’ a break and show your ‘offline self’ some love.
Song Recommendation: Nadia Rose: Airplane Mode
4. The Happy Hour: Structured Self-Care
I’m learning to practice self care with my calendar these days. I used to try to be productive and available every waking hour of each day. Last year I realized I had to separate my self-worth from my work. Because I would eat, sleep and breathe my business while the rest of my Life was passing me by. Pencil in a cutoff time for work and a kickoff time for play. Happy Hour is not just for the 9-5 crowd. Plus by creating boundaries for your own self care, you teach others to respect your personal time and space as well.
Song Recommendation: Selena Gomez: Cut You Off
5. The Sauna: Sexy Self-Care
If you do nothing else on this list, put some sexy in your self care! Switch it up and turn it on. Slip on a silk robe after a hot steamy shower. Grab those scented oils to massage into your skin. And blast some music that makes you feel soulful, sensual and beautiful inside and out.
Song Recommendation: Raveena: Honey
BONUS SONG RECOMMENDATION: Tamika J: Skin