"Taking care of others needs is easier than taking care of yours" is what you’ve conditioned yourself to believe. Sure, you get a satisfying feeling after helping your children with homework or completed that task for your significant other. But what about you? What have you “given to yourself” today?
Practicing self-care can have great benefits. It allows you to refuel your mind, body and soul. Becoming the best version of yourself should be a priority and not something you feel guilty about.
Did you know simple adjustments could make a world of difference?
To help make self-care part of your routine and actually stick to it, here are few simple tips on creating an evening self-care routine to get you started.
► CHANGE INTO COMFORTABLE CLOTHES
As soon as I hit the door (most nights), I change into my favorite soft leopard print pants. Somehow everyone knows when I put those pants on, I’m in for the evening.
► REFLECT ON MY DAY
I take a seat on the edge of my bed after changing my clothes and think about the day. I process what I’ve completed and what I need to do the next day.
Don’t spend any longer than 10 minutes reflecting. I don’t want your evening to be consumed with too many things that don’t promote relaxing.
► TAKE OFF (SOME) OF MY MAKE-UP
Honestly, I don’t take off ALL my make-up. I leave my eye make-up on overnight. I’m one of those people who think, what happens if I have to get up suddenly and do something? Hey, that’s just me!
► ENJOY A CUP OF TEA
Having a cup of tea in the evenings is very relaxing. It begins the wind down process for me. My two favorites are Turmeric and Matcha tea and when honey is added, I’m in heaven. What can I say? I’m obsessed!
► LIGHTING CANDLES
Ahhh, aromatherapy just does something to me! It too is a part of my wind down process. Not only is the smell of ginger peach soothing to my soul, but the soft illumination helps prepare me for a hot shower then meditation.
► READ A FEW ARTICLES
I enjoy learning new things. I read a few articles, find interesting downloads and educate myself on things I want to incorporate into my business. I also enjoy staying up-to-date on the latest fashions and make-up tips.
► SHOWER & MOISTURIZE
It goes without saying I like hot showers, but I LOVE moisturizing! I am an absolute fan of all-natural cocoa butter! You know the kind that looks like a wafer and you have to melt it in your palm before adding to your body. It indeed keeps me young!
► UPDATE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
I’m certain I’m not alone here! Some of us utilize these platforms for business and pleasure. I find it entertaining to get a little attention before falling asleep. Of course, I don’t want to be in this alone, so I’m taking a few of you readers down with me, ha!
► SET A BEDTIME ALARM
If you have an iPhone (no offense Android users), under your clock you have a set of options. One of those options is a bed with words BEDTIME underneath. This allows you to set your sleep and awake time. I LOVE this! I’ve set mine from 10 PM to 6 AM allowing me 8 hours of wonderful rest. It’s set for weekdays, so I receive this alert each evening (of course no weekends) with a 30-minute bedtime reminder. You can add a soft tone as your alert, mine is Early Riser.
Some of these tips may be a part of your current routine. If they're new, you can personalize this as "your time" and purpose to do them each evening.