5 Ways to Show Your Body Love
Self care is something that I practice daily. Too often we forget to do something or make time for ourselves. Putting yourself first and doing something that makes you feel good is so important for your overall health and wellbeing. Self care is simply doing something for yourself that simply makes you feel good and relaxed. Practicing self care can help you destress and boost self confidence. Plus, it can feel so refreshing and invigorating when you take time for you! Below are some of my favorite ways to practice self care (that cost little to nothing):
At home spa day- I love to set up a little spa afternoon for myself. I love to start by getting my spa water ready (cucumber and mint leaves infused in water), this will help set the tone. Then I put on a clean robe (because what is a spa day without a luxurious robe). I will then start with an at home facial, followed by a manicure and pedicure. This makes me feel luxurious and refreshed. Some of my favorite tools for my at home facial is this facial steamer and this facial mask. I also love using this body scrub and this body oil for my at home spa day.
2. Enjoy a nourishing meal- I love to make fun macro bowls. They make me feel so good inside. I do this by combing a combination of healthy fats, protein, carbohydrates and fiber. Start by adding a handful of mixed greens to the bottom of your bowl. Then pile on some fresh veggies, I love bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes and roasted eggplant. Then add in your protein, I love quinoa or smoked/roasted salmon. Then add in your carbohydrates, I love brown rice or roasted sweet potatoes. Then add in some healthy fats, I love drizzling olive/avocado oil, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Then I love to add fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. I then finish with the juice of a lemon and salt.
Workout- This is one of the best ways to practice self care. I have never heard anyone say that they regret a workout! That's because it feels so good when you're done! I love focusing on workouts that I love to do, this makes it more of a self care ritual than a chore. Find something that you love (biking, swimming, barre, dance, running, walking, hiking etc.). Check out my motivation series for finding the right workout for you.
Read a book or a magazine- Have you seen Sex and The City 2? At the end of the movie, Carrie keeps her old apartment for someone who may need it for some time alone. They show Charlotte (a busy and exhausted mother of 2) sitting on a couch sipping tea and reading a magazine in quiet. You do not need to invest in a separate apartment to go to for alone time, but it is important to have quiet time alone! I have always looked forward to long plane rides, because it is the one time I will sit with no distractions and be able to read a magazine or book in full. If reading is not your thing, listening to a podcast or writing works great too! I recommend finding a time in the day where you will have no distractions. Use this time to put your phone and laptop in another room and pull out a book or magazine to read. If you can't get time alone at home, head out to a park or library.
5. Get creative- I love getting creative! Getting hands on and crafty can be very therapeutic and relaxing. I love going to a craft store and getting supplies to create something, or picking up a variety of flowers and creating my own beautiful bouquet. I also love getting crafty in the kitchen. One of my favorite things to whip up are these oat flour cookies. I also love making vision boards for inspiration, rearranging furniture to help change things up in my space, or creating crafts out of old clothing and materials! The point is that you should be having fun!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!