Self care is more than a face mask and a tub of ice cream.

There, I said it.

Mental health has been a hot topic (for good reasons) throughout COVID. Everyone has suffered in some form or another.

October 1st brings the start of a new month. It’s a good time to sit down and evaluate how the previous month went. Even if the month did not play out how you wanted it to, it’s helpful to see how it DID play out as you plan for the next one.

As you look through your month, how did your self care look? Let’s be honest, things are stressful. Life is stressful. The world is stressful. Instead of waiting until we have a mental breakdown, self care needs to make its way up on the priority list.

Why Is It Important?

Self care is a piece of your overall health. You can’t be taking care of yourself without taking care of your mental health, even on the busiest of days. Not only does self care actually lower your stress levels but it can boost your confidence, help in weight loss and increase your energy.

Think of it this way… How often do you find yourself stuck when trying to lose weight? You’re doing everything right (eating and working out) but the weight is stuck. Your stress levels are through the roof… and suddenly when things calm down the weight seems to drop. The only thing that changed was your stress levels. (There are no guarantees, this just an example of how it fits into your journey)

Making time to lower your stress each day will make a long term difference.

It doesn’t have to be a bubble bath, there are so many different types of self care you can treat your body to.

Self Care Is…

  • A 30 minute walk
  • Turning off your phone
  • A dance party in your kitchen
  • Unfollowing accounts that don’t bring you joy on social media
  • Listening to a podcast
  • Doing yoga
  • Taking a nap
  • Drinking more water
  • Taking a bubble bath
  • Declutter your space
  • Turning off the TV/News
  • A tub of ice cream (you know I wouldn’t leave that out)
  • Treating yourself to a coffee you love
  • Calling a friend to chat for 20 minutes
  • Asking for help
  • Wear a cute outfit
  • Waking up earlier to have time for yourself
  • Cooking dinner
  • Watch the sunrise/sunset
  • Make a bucket list
  • Turn on your favorite scent in a diffuser
  • Write a letter to a friend
  • Saying no
  • Meditate
  • Play a board game
  • Plan a trip
  • Do your hair
  • Curling up with a good book
  • Spending time at a place you love
  • Exercise
  • Writing in a journal
  • Turning off social media

I challenge you to set a goal for the month of October. For 10 minutes a day, tune the world out and focus on caring for yourself.

What is your favorite form of self care?