Taking Care of Yourself

Because of my hectic schedule, I feel like it has been awhile since I've really taken care of myself. I've been so focused on organizing my schedule and meeting the needs of other people, I've forgotten to take the time to organize myself and figure out my needs. With the holiday season upon us, I thought it would be fun to share my favorite products/activities when trying to pamper myself or bring a little more peace into my life. Some of these require some time, but other things are simple changes you can make that can bring you a little bit of extra joy.

1. Buy and use your favorite scented soap or hand sanitizer. Yes, I realize this one is quite an interesting change, but there is something about smelling like your favorite scent or having access to your favorite scent that unleashes a bit of happiness. I have been obsessed with the Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Rosemary Scented Hand Soap. I feel so refreshed by this scent, and I love having it follow me everywhere. Especially in the city where it seems like each street has its own unique smell, it is nice to have good smelling hands. Also, you'll probably will want to wash your hands more often which is good, because in addition to the holiday season, flu season is also a thing. 

2. Face masks! This is probably the number one way people pamper themselves. There are a bunch of different types of masks out there, but my current favorite products are the Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask and the Ethiopian Honey Deep Nourishing Mask from The Body Shop. I usually use these two together; the charcoal one first and then the honey. The charcoal is a really nice deep cleanse, sucking out all the gunk from the day or days before, and the honey one leaves your face feeling like baby skin. I leave them on for about 10 minutes each. They're a little more on the pricey side, but they have become two of my favorite products to use when my face needs a little extra help.

3. Write anything and everything down. Something I wish I did more often, is journal. I have different types of journals, a dance journal, a devotional journal, and my bullet journal, to better certain aspects of my life. However, one thing I lack is a journal that I can just freely scribble and jot things on. My other journals tend to have a single, specific purpose, but I want to start a journal that is just for me to explode on, keep track of memories on, etc. Something messy. A journal in which I don't care what it looks like. I feel that by taking the time to write whatever I want to, I will be able to know myself better and be able to figure out my needs and wants in life. Even if it's just for a moment, I want a time to myself to just reflect or cancel out the other noises of my life and focus on me. Maybe, we can start this journal thing together. 

4. Make something. Literally, make anything. Even if you think you aren't creative, humans are made to be creators. Make a new playlist on Spotify, paint a picture, practice calligraphy, write a story, edit a film, write a song, make a dance, make a bracelet, cook dinner, sew a piece of fabric, whatever your heart desires. It doesn't need to be this beautiful thing, but taking time to create something can be so satisfying. You are a creator. So let yourself be expressive, without judgement, and create. 

5. Buy something a little extra. By this, I don't mean you have to splurge on an item, but buy something that is not essential, but is useful and will make you happy. For example, I bought this cat headband from Etude House, to keep the hair out of my face when I wash it, and cat ears aren't essential on a headband, but I think it's the cutest thing ever. My roommate has the same one too. So buy something that will make you a little more happy. Maybe a bag of chocolate, glitter nail polish, a pack of pre-sharpened colored pencils, an essential oil, just something that's a little more special.

6. Groom yourself. Sometimes looking put together on the outside can help you feel a little more put together on the inside. But YOU SHOULD NOT DO THIS TO PLEASE ANYONE OR ANY TYPE OF STANDARD. This is for you. This is for you to feel happy. This is for you to feel a little more at rest. Take time to pluck your brows, cut and paint your nails, moisturize your skin, or shave your legs. There is something so peaceful, relaxing, and joyous about grooming yourself. In fact, in the Kdrama I am currently watching, the lead male character tries to console the female lead by cutting her nails and cleaning her ears, explaining that, that is what his mother did to him when he was sad. It's the simple things. 

You are important, so it is important to take care of you. Hopefully you can find time this week to implement a little more self-love and self-care. If you have any other products or ways to pamper yourself, I would LOVE to hear them so please comment below!