Truth: I am the type of person who puts other peoples’ needs in front of my own.
Truth: There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Truth: Over the past year I realized I haven’t been taking care of myself and once I got back into yoga, I learned the importance of self-care.

Initially, I struggled with the concept of self-care for a while because I have a hard time thinking of myself first, it seems selfish to me. But then I realized it’s the intentions behind what you’re doing that makes something self-centered (or selfish) vs. self-care. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines self-centered as “concerned solely with one’s own desires, needs, or interests” and that’s not what self-care is.

The Blissful Mind defines self-care as,

activities and practices we engage in on a regular basis to reduce stress and enhance our well-being

I’m learning I can’t fully show up for others if my battery isn’t fully charged or my cup isn’t full (to quote popular sayings when describing self-care). Through this process I’ve learned about some of the different dimensions of self-care so I split my list up into the different ways I de-stress as well as the different ways I practice self-care (and you’ll find some of these things overlap!).

How I De-Stress

• Have a margarita at the end of the day (if margs are not an option, a glass of wine)
• Eat something I love: Even if it isn’t the “most healthy” option (like Mexican food, pizza, chocolate, etc.)
• Do a brain dump: Sometimes it helps see everything I’m stressing about written down so I can start to decide what top priorities are
• Watch an episode of something I love: Usually Parks & Recreation because it makes me laugh but also Law & Order: SVU or whatever show I’m currently into
• Take a bath with my favorite bath bombs: I recommend literally anything from Lush
• Go for a walk: Sometimes stepping away from whatever I’m working on and taking a five minute walk is the best way to reset my mind
• Dance it out: Thank you for this one, Grey’s Anatomy (see also, this scene because FEELS). I have a “Dance It Out” playlist on Spotify that I listen to when I need a boost!

Ways I Practice Self-Care

• Treat Yo Self: Treating yourself every once in a while (not excessively) is a great way to practice self-care. Get a mani/pedi or massage, buy a beautiful new candle or indulge in dessert
• Get away from screens: Read instead or get outside
• Journal: Whether that’s art journaling or writing in a journal, express yourself in a safe place
• Yoga: This is also a way I de-stress but getting on my mat and moving my body always makes me feel better
• Meditate: There are awesome apps for meditation (I mentioned my favorite here) or even googling “guided meditations” pulls up great results
• Daily affirmations: Recently I’ve been starting my day by writing down a few affirmations to meditate on and focus on throughout the day. Rachel from #dreamcreatedo has awesome lists of affirmations on her blog! (See here, here & here)
• Get cozy: I love putting on yoga pants + a comfy t-shirt and wrapping up in my softest blanket.
• Talk to a loved one: Meet up to talk face to face or call someone you trust (98% of the time, I call my mom).
• Go to bed early: Sometimes embracing #grandmastatus is the best way to take care of yourself.
• Say no: If you don’t want to do something, say no. (Still working on this myself)
• Listen to favorite music: That album/artist/playlist that always makes you feel better? Put that on.

What are some ways you de-stress and practice self-care? I hope these lists help inspire you to practice self-care this weekend, you deserve it!