It seems like every other day there is a new national “day of recognition” popping up. Most of the time we don’t pay these too much attention–oh, except for #BlackLoveDay on Twitter last week, here for that–but sometimes there’s a day that we can totally get behind. Like today, which has been deemed Global Women’s Self-Care Day.
We’ll admit it, self-care has buzzing lately and it’s hard to differentiate through the noise what true self-care is really all about. But, that doesn’t take away from the fact that self-care is essential to your well being. And the truth of the matter is, self-care will look different for each person so really, understanding true self-care starts with being true to yourself.
Whether you plan to go all out on this Women’s Self-Care Day or plan to keep it sweet and short, here are few simple acts of self-care you can take as women, mothers, corporate divas, and magical black girls today and everyday.
- Take a nap. Yes, sis a nap. There’s always something to do, something to handle. Emails to catch up on or appointments to make. It’s easy to feel guilty stopping for a bit of rest. Something as simple as taking a nap when you’re exhausted is all you need to help you reset and refocus. The to-do list will be there when you wake up. Promise.
- Sip the fancy coffee or tea. You know, the expensive one that makes you feel good. If you’re anything like the rest of us, carefully budgeting and being intentional about spending it can feel indulgent to drop $5 on a latte when you have a perfectly good Keurig at home but listen, it’s okay in moderation. If your self-care looks like a trip through the Starbucks drive-thru on your way home, do you!
- Get a mani and a pedi. Whether you’re the kind of woman who never misses an appointment or the one who never makes one, a nice manicure and pedicure can put you in the right mood. Who doesn’t enjoy getting pampered? We’re always the ones running around making sure everyone else is good, take a moment to have the focus on you.
- Unplug. Yes, cut it off and walk away. Those constant notifications whether they’re emails coming in, mentions on social, or reminders for things you have to do tomorrow, next week, or next month, can have you feeling “on” 24/7. We feel you, it’s nice to have access to everything you need in the palm of your hand, but that also means the world has access to you. Sometimes self-care simply looks like turning off the noise, literally and figuratively and being still.
- Do the thing. Whatever it is. That yoga class you’ve been thinking about attending? Lunch at that new spot downtown? That book you’ve had your eye on. Do it. We get these big ideas regarding self-care in our minds that we overlook the small things that can make the most difference. Try that new thing and enjoy yourself.
What are you doing to practice self-care today?
