take care of your body – Tyler V Layne

10 self-care tips for the mind, body & soul

July 7, 2021 1 Comment

Hello all, I am Shayla from thedailyshayla.com and I’m so happy to be collaborating with Tyler! We both decided to share our top 5 ways to practice self-care, so when you’re done here, please be sure to check out her 5 over on my blog!

Ahh, stress! We all know what it feels like to be stressed, right? Exhaustion and the feeling of being overwhelmed are things we all go through in our day-to-day lives. I for one am no stranger to the many stresses of life and it is so important that I find ways to reduce those feelings and practice some self-care for my mind body and soul. And you should be doing the same!

Self-care literally means to take care of yourself and should be a regular habit in your daily routine. Whether it’s a cup of tea in the morning or a full on pamper session to release your worries; finding something that you enjoy and something that will take your mind off things is vital every once in a while!

Here are my top 5 ways to practice self-care:

1. Start Your Day Off with Some “Me Time”

Whether it be reading a book with a cup of coffee or squeezing in something you truly enjoy, starting your day by focusing on yourself can feel extremely gratifying. Especially as a parent, my entire day is focused around my daughter- so those few hours in the morning before she wakes are absolutely magical.

2. Get Your Fit On

f you know me or have read my blog, you’ll know that fitness is my no.1 form of self care. Getting up and keeping active is a brilliant way to care for the mind, body and soul! Now, I don’t necessarily mean you should intensely workout for an hour or more; but for some, just a simple walk in the park may be all you need to release those endorphins.

Ways I love staying active are:

Dancing the Night Away

Blast some of your favourite tunes and dance like nobody’s watching! This is such a fun way to block everything negative out and let those positive vibrations in. You are able to really enter your own world and perform like a superstar. A Serotonin boost for sure!

Simple Stretches

Doing some simple stretches after you wake up or before you go to sleep is a great way to get your blood flowing. It also benefits your body by relaxing your muscles and increasing your flexibility.

Walk & Talk

Going for an evening stroll whilst talking to a friend can be very enjoyable. Catching up with someone will relieve so much stress and add some positivity to your day. Before you know it, you’ve done several laps around the park all whilst gossiping to your heart’s content.

3. Have a Pamper Day/Night

When I say this, I mean the whole shebang! Free up some hours during the day, or at night and use them to really pamper yourself.

This may include:

A skincare routine
Enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine
Painting your nails
Watching a movie
Having a relaxing bath

Then finish it all off with an early bed-time to give your body the rest it needs. You really can’t go wrong with that!

4. Minimise Your Schedule

Photo by Emma Matthews Digital Content Production on Unsplash

Minimising your schedule may be just what you need to minimise excessive stress. We often get overwhelmed and flustered when we have a lot to do- eventually leading to not doing anything at all. Some days, I opt not to work-out or even take breaks from completing blog activities, just to give my mind a rest and allow myself to recuperate.

It’s so important to take time out for you and to listen to your mind and body when it becomes engulfed in tasks. Also, learn to say “no” to things if your ‘plate’ is overloaded- it is okay to be selfish when it is needed.

5. Journal Your Thoughts & Plans

Whatever is on your mind, jot it down on some paper, everything will be easier to process then. Or even better, start a journal! Spill out your thoughts on the past, present and future and lift some of that weight off your mind.
One of my favourite things to write in my journal are several to-do lists; as I know my future self will thank me for it later! It can be fun just to plan your days ahead of time and fully clear-out your mind.

You see!? It’s as simple as that- even the smallest of things can be beneficial towards your mental health! Taking some time out to breathe and recalibrate may be just what you need when life becomes a little too much. These are just the things I like to do, but what are your favourite ways to practice self-care? Let us know in the comments below!

Health, Lifestyle

10 easy ways to practice self-care this summer

June 15, 2021 No Comments

Note: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Note: Read all the way to the end of this article for a special summer giveaway opportunity!

Summer is finally here, which means it’s the perfect time to get some sunlight, relax & recharge. And especially after the year we all had, I think it’s time for a little extra self-care time.

Self-care is a very personal experience, & it should always be spent doing things that specifically bring you joy & comfort. But, there’s nothing wrong with switching up your self-care activities to reflect the unique joys that each season brings. Summer is full of fun ways to show yourself some love.

Read on for 10 easy ways to practice self-care this season.

1. Soak up some sunshine

This is by far the simplest way to practice self-care this season, but it’s still super important. When we are exposed to sunlight, our brains release serotonin, otherwise known as the “happy hormone.” Serotonin not only boosts our mood; it also helps us to feel calm & focused, which means more productive lives. In addition to this, the sun gives us Vitamin D, which is linked to better bone health, & it can actually help promote healthy skin! That glowing look you want can be achieved by spending time in the sun’s rays! Just make sure you show your skin a little extra self-care & wear lots of sunscreen.

2. Go off the grid

Physically & socially, spend some time off the grid this summer. Get out of town. Plan a vacation & treat yourself. And when you do, consider staying unplugged from your phone. I know, there are tons of Instagrammable photos to share on vacation, but you can always share them later. Give yourself a little time to be present with those around you, or just to yourself, because you deserve your undivided attention as well.

3. Spend time with people who make you feel good

Distance yourself from negativity & spend time with people who make you feel good. Now that COVID-19 restrictions are lifting, you can finally go out to brunch, swim in the pool, or go to a concert with the people that matter most to you. Plan a picnic, go on a walk, or just give someone you love a phone call. Studies show that spending time with people helps reduce the symptoms of many mental health conditions, including anxiety & depression, & building strong relationships helps provide support when you are experiencing challenging situations.

4. Wear what makes you feel confident

Me on the beach in South Carolina the week of the Solar Eclipse, 2017

Every body is a beach body. Whether it’s a bikini, a sundress, a one-piece, or a sarong, wear what makes you feel most beautiful & confident to the beach, & don’t give one thought to what other people think. There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who dresses with dignity & carries herself with confidence.

5. Drink more water

My Fill It Forward water bottle that I received in my Be Kind by Ellen subscription box

This is important all year long, but it’s especially important in summer. When we sweat, we lose water, & when our bodies are dehydrated, they don’t function properly. Signs of dehydration include fatigue, constipation, dry skin, & headaches, & severe dehydration can cause low blood pressure, heat exhaustion, seizures, heat stroke, kidney failure, & coma. Keep your body hydrated by drinking water throughout your day. You can add more flavor to your water by adding fresh fruits, herbs, or vegetables. One refreshing combination I love is cucumber, mint & lime. Or, if I’m in the mood for something sweet, I love adding freshly chopped berries. If you’re doing activities outdoors, consider adding electrolytes to your water – choose low-sugar brands that will replenish the sodium, magnesium, & potassium you are losing through your sweat without loading up on sugar. When you keep your body hydrated, it gives you more energy & helps you to feel your best.

6. Visit a farmer’s market

Joseph & me at the farmer’s market picking out fresh produce for a picnic dinner

With spring & early summer gardens finally in full bloom, this is the perfect opportunity to visit your local farmer’s market & pick out fresh produce to cook with. It supports a local business, & it also a fun way to eat healthy. Look for recipe inspiration on Pinterest, or just start experimenting in the kitchen!

7. Get active outdoors

Joseph & me on a hike near Loch Raven Reservoir

Get outside & enjoy the warm weather while exercising. There are lots of fun summer activities that are also great forms of exercise, including kayaking, swimming, & hiking. Try to go out early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day, & make sure to wear sunscreen while you’re outdoors.

8. Wake up with the sun

Enjoy your summer days to the fullest by waking up with the sun. Bringing natural light into your room & waking up with the sunrise is a much more gentle way to wake up, as opposed to a blaring alarm clock. This means you wake up more refreshed & ready to tackle your day! And, if you do this consistently, your circadian rhythm will adjust, which means deeper sleep & more productive days.

9. Start a garden

Gardening can be a great way to get active outdoors & bring yourself some joy. The routine tasks can be calming, & you can find great joy in cultivating a plant & helping it to grow. Plant flowers to brighten up your space, or try planting a vegetable garden & use the fresh produce to cook healthy meals.

10. Read an inspirational book

One of my favorite inspirational reads, You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or spending a day indoors away from the heat, summer is the perfect time to start a new book. Why not find something inspirational? Pick a topic you are interested in, or simply search for inspirational books online or at your local library to find your new uplifting read.

Alright, as promised, it is giveaway time!

Much of my blog is dedicated to helping my readers find more self-care in their lives. To help inspire you to take better care of yourself this summer, I have a challenge that could help you win some special prizes!

The Summer Self-Care Bingo Challenge includes all the self-care activities listed above, plus 14 more ways to show yourself some extra love this summer. Complete 5 activities in a row, column, or diagonally to win a month-long subscription to Sticker of the Month & the weekly newsletter. Complete the entire board, & you will a FREE Sunshine Box! That’s right – spend more time this summer dedicated to self-care, & you can get more self-care delivered right to your doorstep!

To complete a bingo square, post a selfie of you completing the activity on Instagram & tag me @TylerVLayne with the hashtag #SummerSelfCareBingo, & I will do the rest of the work for you. The Summer Self-Care Bingo Challenge will start June 15 & will end August 30.

Let the challenge begin!

Health, Lifestyle, My Life

Grove Collaborative review: The easiest way to live an eco-friendly life

April 22, 2021 4 Comments

Grove Collaborative Unboxing Video

Read to the bottom of this article to learn about a special FREE gift just for you!

Happy Earth Day!

For some time, I have wanted to switch to more natural products & sustainable living practices. I made a few changes here & there, but I struggled with finding ways to reduce my waste or carbon footprint that weren’t unbelievably inconvenient. And many of the natural products that I encountered were far too pricey for my young adult budget. I knew switching to natural products was good for the environment & myself, but I thought it would have to be something that I did when I was more established with a full-time job & benefits.

Grove Collaborative changed everything. Grove is a natural home & personal care brand that delivers everything you need for a sustainable, healthy home right to your door. All of the products are made with natural ingredients that are healthy for you & the environment, & they all help reduce household waste. Additionally, Grove carbon offsets every delivery, & every purchase benefits the Arbor Day Foundation, which plants trees to help solve a number of the world’s problems today, including air & water quality, climate change, deforestation, & hunger.

Grove is a monthly subscription, but you can skip months & edit your cart to include the products you want, so it’s honestly a great way to get the products you want, when you want or need them. You can customize the process every step of the way.

My future sister-in-law (but already sister-at-heart) Joanna introduced me to Grove just after I moved into my new house. She was already a subscriber, & she recommended it to me when I mentioned that I wanted to switch to more sustainable products. After checking out the app, I knew immediately that it was something I was interested in, & I purchased my first box the same day.

Get your first box FREE by clicking here

I could not be more pleased with my first Grove delivery. My box contained silicone straws, reusable bags, walnut & cellulose sponges, bamboo tissues, a glass spray bottle, a glass soap dispenser, toilet bowl cleaner, moisturizing hand sanitizer, dishwasher detergent packs, gel hand soap, glass cleaner concentrate, toilet spray, three reusable cotton face masks, compostable cleaning wipes, & bamboo toilet paper. Now that I have had the chance to try out all of these products, I am happy to report they are all up to my cleanliness standards, & I am quite sure I am going to be a Grove subscriber for life.

The silicone straws are a cute, turquoise blue color, so now I can sip my summer drinks in style. They are durable, & the pack of four straws comes with a bottle brush to help keep them clean.

The reusable bags are adorable. I purchased a set of two, one large & one small, that had a lemon design to match my kitchen (which is tones of blue & green with lemon yellow accents). The bags are air-tight & keep my snacks fresh, & they are easy to clean as well. All you have to do is rinse them out with soap & water & let them dry.

Seedling Tissues by Grove on my coffee table

The walnut & cellulose sponge is another great product. The sponge scrubs as hard as I want it to, but it’s still gentle on my pots & pans & it’s durable, too. It’s made from plant cellulose & walnuts, so when the time does come to throw it away, it will naturally break down (no more plastic sponges sitting in landfills).

The bamboo tissues are one of my favorite products in this box. The tissues are thick & soft, which feels great on my irritated nose during allergy season. They are made from sustainable bamboo instead of trees, so there’s less deforestation. The bamboo toilet paper is made the same way, and, this may be too much information but to be perfectly honest, my butt has never felt more pampered. The toilet paper is three-ply, which I wasn’t aware that I needed but now that I’ve had it, I don’t think I can ever go back. It’s soft & thick, which means it feels good & I need less toilet paper per toilet visit. This means that, despite it maybe being a little more expensive than your average roll, it lasts longer, which I think makes up for the price.

I wish I had been using the moisturizing hand sanitizer all winter. It has a lovely scent, & it feels so good on my dry hands. After lathering up with hand sanitizer regularly for over a year now, I needed this product. It is my new best friend whenever I leave the house.

And speaking of COVID-19, the three reusable, cotton face masks I received are some of the most comfortable face masks I have ever had! They fit perfectly, which is something no face mask has done yet, & they are super cute. I love the striped yellow & white one – it perfectly fits my vibe. And the two green & blue toned masks match so many outfits. And they aren’t just fashionable! The masks have three layers, and the inner layer is anti-microbial, making it a great choice to stay safe during this pandemic.

Me & my new reusable face masks from Grove

One thing I often hear about natural cleaning products is that they aren’t as effective as the ones made with harsh chemicals. Until trying Grove, I actually believed this, but I am happy to report that this is a myth. The dishwasher detergent packs gave me sparkling clean dishes – I honestly think they look better than when I use my normal dish detergent. The glass cleaner concentrate worked wonders on my smudgy windows, & the toilet bowl cleaner got everything clean with minimal effort. And the compostable cleaning wipes are the first product yet that has gotten my counters as clean as I want them. I cannot wait to try more cleaning products from Grove.

Speaking of toilets, the toilet spray was also quite pleasant. I have used Poo-Pourri before, & I thought this had just as nice of a scent, albeit not as strong. So, if you’re looking for a more mild scent (Poo-Pourri has a very strong scent – it’s for the bigger poos), this toilet spray is a great choice.

The lavender & thyme hand soap smells so lovely, but it’s not over-powering or super feminine like a lot of nice smelling soaps are. Even Joseph liked it, & we almost never agree on a soap scent (he even put up his own soap dispenser in the bathroom because he can’t stand the lemon soap I have in there). My hands also feel squeaky clean after using this soap, which means it gets an A+ grade from me. The glass soap dispenser & spray bottle are both a simple but fashionable design that will match any decor, & they both have a durability to them that makes me believe they are going to last for a while.

Me & my new lavender & thyme hand soap from Grove

If you’ve been looking for a way to switch to natural cleaning products, reduce waste, live in a healthier environment, or just to live a little more sustainably, Grove is a great choice. The chemicals that are harsh for the environment are bad for our bodies as well. Grove makes it easy to make your home a healthy environment, for you & the earth.

Do you want to try Grove without the commitment? I have a great surprise for you. Use this link to try your first Grove box for FREE! If you don’t like it, you can cancel your subscription at any time (but if you enjoy lovely smelling cleaning & beauty products that are good for you & the environment, you’re going to love it).

Switching to sustainable living can seem overwhelming, but small changes, like using natural cleaning products or drinking from reusable water bottles, make an impact. It might not seem like much, but if we all do it, those small changes add up to having a big impact on our earth’s health.

We only have two places to live: Our bodies & our world. Appreciate them, love them, & take care of them.

Lifestyle

10 easy ways to live life more sustainably

April 20, 2021 5 Comments

You only have two places to live: Your body & the earth. Take care of both.

The idea of switching to sustainable living can sound overwhelming. Entirely eliminating waste from a house seems impossible, & I can’t even imagine how long an hour-long commute would take when ridden on a bicycle. But there are some small changes we can all make to help save our planet, & many of them won’t even affect the flow of your daily life.

Read on for 10 easy changes you can make in your life today to start living more sustainably.

1. Switch to Alt Linen

My new Alt Linen towels from my Be Kind by Ellen box

I know there are some spills that you just want to mop up with a paper towel & throw away, so the idea of switching to a cloth towel can be unappealing. But Alt Linen makes it worth it. When your towel gets too dirty to clean, you can send it back to the company, & they will send you a new one free of charge! Not only is it good for the earth, but I guarantee you will save money that would have been spent on endless rolls of paper towels that would have just been thrown away. Learn more about Alt Linen here.

2. Use reusable lunch bags & containers instead of plastic throw-aways

My new reusable bags from Grove Co. – stay tuned for the full review of my Grove subscription later this week!

I know it’s more cleaning, but it’s worth it. There is so much plastic waste on our earth, & using reusable containers & bags is an easy way to limit your own waste contribution. Plus, there are super cute containers out there that honestly make me happy when I eat out of them. Lunchtime just got a lot more fun & eco-friendly.

3. Use a reusable water bottle

My new Fill it Forward reusable water bottle from my Be Kind by Ellen box

To me, this one is a no-brainer. No matter what I am drinking, I can use a reusable bottle. And I can’t even tell you how much money I save by just filling up my water bottle at the sink instead of buying countless plastic bottles that are going to litter the earth. You can get a super cute water bottle, too, with little reminders to help you stay hydrated, so it’s good for your health, too.

4. Turn off lights when you leave the room

And while you’re at it, unplug appliances that you aren’t currently using. Of course, the refrigerator & stove should stay plugged in, but the blender sitting on the counter? It’s not doing you any good to keep that outlet in use. Save some energy & lower your monthly bill by turning off the lights & unplugging the electronics & appliances you aren’t currently using.

5. Eat less meat

Meat production is a contributor of climate change. You don’t have to go entirely vegan, vegetarian or plant-based, but consider eating less meat & subbing in plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, that contribute to the earth’s health. Or, if you think you will miss the meat too much, buy from local farmer’s who use sustainable growing practices. And make sure that food doesn’t go to waste! Eat your leftovers for lunch, or store them in the freezer for another day.

6. Use environmentally-friendly cleaning products

My new Grove Co. glass cleaner & reusable spray bottle – stay tuned to my blog for a full review of the Grove subscription later this week!

This is an easy one to implement. Instead of using products loaded with chemicals that are bad for your health & the environment, try products made with all-natural ingredients. Brands like The Honest Company, Mrs. Meyer’s, & Ecos create safe, plant-based cleaners that use bio-degradable ingredients.

7. Use LED lights instead of incandescent

LED lights last longer than incandescent, which means less wasted light bulbs. Additionally, they are more energy-efficient, which means they are better for the earth & your electric bill.

8. Put a “No Junk Mail” sign on your mailbox

To be completely honest, I just learned about this, so I haven’t tried it yet, but I am excited to give it a shot! Junk mail is annoying, & it’s a waste of paper. Save the earth & avoid having to sift through junk mail by putting a “No Junk Mail” sign on your mailbox.

9. Buy a water-saving shower head

It’s so easy to waste water without thinking about it. A water-saving shower head will help you save water by giving you the option to adjust the water pressure. If you don’t want to invest in a shower head, set a timer before you take a shower & challenge yourself to finish the shower before the timer goes off.

10. Use reusable grocery bags

Reusable grocery bags from WISELIFE Store

Reduce plastic waste by using reusable cloth grocery bags. They also hold a lot more food, which means less trips back & forth between the house & the car carrying in groceries.

Living sustainably is good for you & the earth! And as my dad always told me, “The best day to implement change is yesterday. The second best day is today.”

Health, Lifestyle

10 seasonal ways to practice self-care this spring

March 26, 2021 4 Comments

Note: This post does contain affiliate links. If you buy a product after clicking a link, I may earn a commission off of that purchase.

Self-care is important any time of year, but spring is the perfect season to take a little extra time for yourself. While the world is waking from its slumber & committing itself to new growth once again, you can do the same.

Spending some time to engage in self-care looks different for everyone. It’s important to match the type of self-care you use with what is actually beneficial & meaningful to you. A bubble bath can be a great way to relax, but if you don’t have a comfortable place to soak, your muscles don’t need to relax, or, even worse, if you don’t even like soaking in baths, this may not be the best way to engage in self-care for you. I find it interesting when people force themselves to do self-care, & they choose an activity that they don’t enjoy & get it done like just any other task on their to-do list. Self-care should be something that you need & that brings relief & relaxation to your life in some way. This means that sometimes it is indulgent, like eating chocolate or bingeing on your favorite Netflix show, but sometimes its actually less glamorous, like cleaning out your closet or spending a day getting all the things done that never make it onto your to-do list. No matter what, at the end of your activity, you should feel some sort of relief & feel better about your current state in life.

With that being said, I love to theme my activities to the season I am in, personally & in the world. Spring is a perfect time for self-care because there are so many things you can do! Listed below are 10 ways you can engage in self-care this spring. As stated above, make sure you choose one that is meaningful to you, & enjoy your self-care time! You deserve it.

1. Go for a walk

Me walking on some railroad tracks in Missouri

The weather has finally gotten warmer, which means it is the perfect time to go for a relaxed walk outdoors & enjoy some fresh air. If you are looking to get your heart & adrenaline pumping a little more, go for a run or bike ride. The clean air & physical activity are good for your mental & physical health.

2. Do some spring cleaning

The time for spring cleaning is here, but this doesn’t have to be treated like just another annoying task you have to complete. Making your environment clean & orderly is beneficial for your mental health. A cluttered space encourages a cluttered mind. Take some time to purge your house of things you no longer need, & then take some time to clean up & maybe even decorate your environment in a new way that brings you joy, not just for the day, but for months to come.

3. Make a healthy meal with ingredients from the farmer’s market

Me & Joseph buying ingredients from the farmer’s market the day he proposed

Healthy food nourishes our body & helps us feel our best. Why not support a local farmer’s market & take some time for yourself by making a gourmet meal with all fresh ingredients? It’s a fun activity, & a healthy way to take to nourish your body.

4. Plan a day-trip

Joseph & me on Strasburg Rail Road in Pennsylvania during our day trip – watch Joseph’s vlog about the trip here

Now that the weather is warmer, it is the perfect time to go for a trip. Plan your itinerary for little getaway in your local tourist spot, or make it more spontaneous & just walk around the area to see what attracts you most. You can do it alone for some quality time with you, or go with your family or a friend for some much-needed social time.

5. Start a new skincare routine

Me using my new Aceology ice globe facial massagers from my Be Kind by Ellen spring subscription box

If you’re anything like me, your skin is feeling a little dry & pale after a long, cold winter. Try out a new skincare routine to help moisturize your cracked skin & give it a fresh glow for the new season.

6. Plant a garden

My brother, Jake, & me collecting the produce from our garden my junior year of high school

It’s good for you, & its good for the environment, too. Spend some time getting in some physical activity by planting a garden, & then reap the benefits for months to come with the fresh, healthy & delicious produce you harvest. Or, plant a flower garden & let the bright colors & lovely scents bring you joy every day.

7. Buy yourself flowers

The beautiful yellow roses Joseph gave me for Valentine’s Day

If you aren’t into gardening, bring spring into your home by buying yourself some fresh flowers. Put them in a lovely vase on your table or wherever you will see them to brighten your space. A little touch of spring indoors is a great way to celebrate the season & show yourself some love.

8. Diffuse spring-themed essential oils

Bring the lovely smells of spring into your home by diffusing spring-themed essential oils, such as lemongrass, lavender, eucalyptus, & citrus scents like lemon & tangerine. Diffusing essential oils can help reduce stress, & different essential oils have additional benefits, such as using lavender to help reduce insomnia or peppermint to relieve headaches.

9. Make a batch of fruit-infused water

Fresh fruits are in abundance, which means it’s the perfect time to make fruit-infused water. If you are terrible at drinking your daily intake of water, or if you just want to switch up the flavor a little bit, try chopping up fresh fruit & putting it in a pitcher of water to infuse. It is a delicious way to hydrate our bodies, which helps our body systems to work as they are supposed to, as well as brightens our skin, gives us more energy, & improves our mood.

10. Start a new hobby

My new favorite crafting hobby is paper crafts with Washi Tape! This is the valentine I made Joseph this year

Spring is the time of new beginnings, so why not try something new? If you want to do something healthy for your body, try a new exercise routine or start cooking more healthy meals at home. If you’re just looking to engage your mind in a new way, why not try a new craft or start doing crossword puzzles. Whatever appeals to you or whatever you have been wanting to try, this is the perfect time to start doing it.

I hope you found a new self-care activity that excites you. Try to give yourself a little time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes, to give yourself a little extra love & care. Your body, mind & soul will thank you.

What’s your favorite way to engage in self-care? Leave me a comment below!

Do you need a little more inspiration? Download my free printable self-care calendar for April! It has a different activity idea for every day, making it the perfect way to remind you to spend some time for yourself daily, as well as try out different self-care activities if you’re not sure what you like best. It helps when we support each other, even with self-care, so stay tuned to my social media next month for my own journey with self-care, using this calendar & article for inspiration.

Free Printable April Self-Care Calendar Download

P.S. Self-care shouldn’t feel like work. Why not get it delivered to your doorstep every month? The Sunshine Box is a personalized self-care subscription box that is filled with items picked out just for you! It’s the perfect way to show yourself a little extra love each month. Learn more & subscribe here.

Lifestyle, My Life

3 simple ways to love yourself better every day

September 4, 2020 No Comments

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product after clicking the associated link, I will gain a small commission off of that purchase.

I know self-care is one of the most important things I can do to make sure I am functioning at my best, but somehow, I just never seem to have time to fit it in.

Every day, my schedule fills up with work, errands, and other chores. By the time I get home, I am ready to just crawl into bed. And some days, I don’t even give myself the luxury of a good night’s rest – often, I am up late, working on a blog post, finishing an assignment for work, or taking a look at my weekly budget.

As important as self-care is, it always seems to be something I struggle with. The idea of taking a relaxing bubble bath or just sitting for an hour to read a book seems to be too difficult to fit into my day.

I know I am not alone in this. So many of us are rushing from one task to the next – it’s hard to take a step back and notice how we feel. It’s even harder to actually listen to and give our bodies what they need in that moment.

So, to give us all some much-needed help, I have listed below three simple things you can do every day to love yourself better. It takes some practice, but incorporating these three actions into your day every day can help you to be better in tune with what your body needs, and to actually meet those needs during your day. They aren’t time-consuming tasks, but they make a big difference in your quality of life. And when you are feeling good, you are better able to help the other people in your life feel good, too.

1. Do a mental check-in when you wake up

Resist checking your phone first thing in the morning and take the first 30 seconds of your day to do a check-in with your body. How are you feeling, physically, mentally and spiritually?

Ask yourself: How does your body feel? Are you well rested? What emotions are you feeling? Do you feel grounded, or do you feel disconnected from the world around you?

Based on these and other questions you may ask yourself, take note of how you are feeling, and then move on to the next task.

2. Schedule in 30 minutes to take care of yourself, mentally, physically or spiritually

Based on the results of your mental check-in, schedule in some time to take care of any needs you may have. If you are feeling tired, consider scheduling in a 30-minute nap. If your body feels stiff, maybe schedule in a 30-minute yoga session. If you are feeling sad, take some time to do something you enjoy, such as reading, dancing, or singing at the top of your lungs. If you feel like you need to ground yourself, spend some time reading scripture or repeating self-affirmations to yourself. Do whatever works for you.

Thirty minutes is not a lot of time, but it really makes a difference. Taking just this small amount of time for yourself makes sure that your most present need for the day is met.

Schedule in this time on your calendar. If it helps, make it the same time block every day, but change the activity daily based on what you need. You can do your self-care activity first thing in the morning, during your lunch hour at work, or right before you go to sleep at night. Once the task is on your to-do list, it is more likely to get done.

3. Write down 3 things you are grateful for before you go to sleep

End your day with a moment of gratitude. Write down three things you are grateful for that happened that day. This is a great practice to help you remember all of the blessings in your life, rather than focusing on the negatives. Writing down what you are grateful for will not only help you to have a more positive mindset (and positive energy helps attract a more positive life). It also helps to make sure you go to bed thinking about positive things instead of letting your mind wander to everything that is currently stressful in your life. A good night’s rest is a key part of self-care, and it’s easier to achieve that if your head is thinking happy thoughts when it hits the pillow.

Self-care is a very personal journey, and it looks different for everyone. The three practices listed above are simply meant to guide you in your own journey. Always remember to be gentle with yourself – if there are days these tasks don’t happen, simply cross them off your to-do list and promise to take better care of yourself tomorrow. Always give yourself the same love and grace you would extend to others.

What are your favorite ways to show yourself love? Leave a comment below to help spread the inspiration and positivity.

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