LIFESTYLE 7 years ago

My Thoughts on Self-Care for the Mind, Body, and Soul

I feel like ‘self-care’ is a phrase that’s been thrown around a lot lately. And just like trends in fashion, everyone has their own way of interpreting it and definite what self-care means to him or her. Overall, it’s something that you do that takes care of YOU. I spend a lot of my time doing things for other people.  Between my family, my team and everything in-between- I don’t get many chances to spend much need (and much neglected) “ME” time. So today, I wanted to share with you some tips on self-care for the mind, body, and soul that I’m making more of an effort on incorporating into my life.  As they say, you have to make sure you’re 100% before you can be 100% to anyone else.

1. Make Healthy Choices

Making healthy food choices is easier said than done. But making a conscious effort to grab fruit instead of chips, or some berries instead of sweet can really make all the difference! The important thing is to hold yourself accountable, but don’t lock yourself in that box. Being able to indulge every once and a while can keep you sane!  Remember when I challenged myself to quitting sugar? It was a lot easier to do than I thought!

2. Affirmations 

You’ve heard about the power of positive thinking, right? Well, affirmations are like taking that positive thinking and putting those thoughts into tiny bite-sized phrases that you can repeat and remind yourself of throughout the day. Some of the girls on the CINCteam write down the affirmations on post-its and stick them throughout their apartment- so it’s always front of mind. Something we picked up from my girl, Jana WilliamsOne of my favorites (that the entire team loves as well) is ‘I accept and expect abundance.”

I really am an LA girl, through and through. That’s why as cliché as it may sound, my go-to breakfast is avocado toast! It’s super fast and easy to make, and it helps keep me full. I like to add some yummy grains (like I talked about here) or for a little spice- some red-pepper flakes! Already knowing what I’m going to eat helps streamline my mornings and lets me spend more time with Chloe!

4. Alone Time

Having alone time is such a foreign concept to me sometimes. Between being a mom, a wife and running my business- sometimes it feels like there’s no time left for me! Recently, I’ve made it a point to wake up a little bit earlier before Allen and Chloe so I can have at least an hour of peace and quiet. Weather I use that time to do some of the things on this list or just sit in silence- having that extra time to gather my thoughts really helps me keep my head on straight and prepare me for whatever comes my way.

 

I’m a firm believer in face masks. They make your skin feel great, they feel like a mini spa, and it’s a great way to take even 10 minutes to pamper yourself. If you’re in a pinch, this DIY mask of yogurt and honey is super easy to make, leaves my skins super glowy and refreshed.

Taking time to read and study is a great way to learn something new and wind down before bed. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m on my phone or laptop way more than I should. Being attached to a screen for that long and that late can really disrupt sleep. So instead of being sucked into my screen, I’m trying to take at least 30 min every night to read!

7. Take A Break

Like I said above, I’m on my screen A LOT. So much so that I can easily lose track of time. So during long work days, I set a reminder on my phone to take a break and step away. I have the girls at the office do this too! Looking away from a computer or phone screen even for 5 minutes at a time can make you feel so much better. This is especially true if you’re prone to headaches! Just take a second to step away. Your eyes, optometrist and entire body will certainly thank you!

8. Journal

Journaling is something I’ve just picked up. Whether chronicling your day and thoughts, writing down some of your favorite quotes or even doodling. I’ve found that getting things out of my head and physically onto paper is extremely cathartic. Plus, having an excuse to pick up a cute notebook doesn’t hurt 😉

9. Podcasts

I don’t think I can say this enough but I LOVE podcasts. I think my team is sick of me talking about them so much but with my long commute to and from the office, I have a ton of podcasts that I listen to on rotation. Some of my favorites right now are Accidental CreativeThe Hidden Brain and Magic Lessons with Elisabeth Gilbert! I got really tired of listening to the same songs over and over again and have been taking full advantage of that commute to make it have a really positive and meaningful impact on my mornings.

 

The best advice I can give you is to GET MOVING! Taking a walk, a hike, a run- anything to get your blood pumping! The activity is going to help clear your head and make you feel better. I try to work out at least three times a week, or go for afternoon/evening walks with the family! I think I get some of my best ideas when I work out. Plus, there’s nothing like a good run to blow off steam and clear your mind!

Just like anything, committing to these self-care tips take time. Though I wish I could tell you I have it all figured out- I don’t! Just like you, I’m learning and growing every day. So if you have any self-care tips that you swear by, I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below and have a great day!

Credits:

Photography by Niel Sharum (@neilsharumphoto)