#selfcaredays

We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded by pictures and videos of out-of-this-world vacations, fantastic facials, marvelous massages, and sensual spa days. We decide 'this is what I want to experience' and we begin to work harder than we ever have before. We break our backs, we take overtime, we take double- and triple- shifts and start saving towards the 'goal'. We become so encased in obtaining the objective that we get to be like Adam Sandler in the movie Click. The blinders are on, but you miss everything around you. You forget to be in the present and live in the moment.

Stress happens to us ALL THE TIME! Literally, the only time you probably don't have stress is when you're probably in-utero or deceased. However, when it comes to stress, we see the same types of reactions across the board, which can range from intense outbursts to extreme withdrawal. Some know how to handle their stresses through years of experience or differences in environment. Others may have different beliefs and different experiences which may cause them to be a hindrance to their emotional development.

As a healthcare professional, I tend to forget about my own self-care. I'm in the industry of helping others, so at times it is SO HARD to turn that button off. What works for me is penciling in time to take care of me. Whether it's buying the gift that I wanted for myself, or getting my favorite snack, or dancing in my living room; as long as it lifts my spirits (or tires me out), I'm okay. In massage therapy, I always tell my clients that they should take a day for themselves. It doesn’t matter what is going on in your life. Take a day and do what you want to do. Do not answer any emails or phone calls. Let your friends and family (and your job) know that you are taking the day for yourself and that for 24 hours, you will not be answering any calls, texts, or emails. Then take that day and treat yourself to whatever you want to do.

Here are some of my favorite self care rituals:

1. Go for a walk

2. Watch your favorite movie

3. Do 15-20 minutes of stretching

4. Have a cup of your favorite ice-cream

5. Sing at the top of your lungs - whether you feel like you can sing or not

6. Call up and talk with a loved one

7. Cook your favorite meal

8. Have a glass of your favorite wine

9. Finish that book you have been putting off

10. Go and get your nails done

11. Go get a massage or a facial

12. Go purchase that thing you've been saving for (bag, purse, outfit, shoes, etc.)

13. Play your favorite video game

14. Have a cup of tea

15. Take a bubble bath

16. Make a list of all the things that need to get done and prioritize them

17. Organize your closet/home

18. Sew / Crochet / Knit

19. Listen to music / Play an instrument

20. Catch up on rest

Most of these are low cost or do not cost anything. What other things would you add to this list?

Stress does not only happen on one day, so neither does self-care. As much as we promote #selfcaresundays, feel free to do self-care whenever you need it. Simply because you deserve it! You are an amazing human being and you only have one life to live and one body to use. Enjoy your life and live with no regrets.