My Favorite Acts of Self-Care

Building off of this week’s theme of taking better care of myself (see Wednesday’s post on managing burnout), I’m continuing my thoughts today on self-care. I was inspired to bring this topic up again after a facial at Grand Rapids Natural Health. Lauren, the skincare specialist, referenced affirmation cards by Kris Carr on the table in the room for me to read as I got dressed after my appointment. I glanced at one and found that the topic resonated with me and so I kept reading more cards for encouragement and direction.

And so on the drive home, I started reflecting on what I need to feel happy, relaxed and just in a better state of mind. Sharing just a few of my favorite acts of self care below!

Schedule Time for Yourself

When I start to feel overwhelmed, I block off time on my Google calendar for me time. I might be able to logistically fit a ton of freelance work into a small block of time, but I’ve set limits so I can make time for myself and I take those blocked off times on my calendar seriously! I use this time to be alone and do mundane tasks that have somehow become exciting for me like re-organizing some drawers in my kitchen, catching up on laundry, taking James on a long walk or watching re-runs of Roseanne.

Take Care of Your Skin

I was so stressed out the day I went to get my facial, but I kept the appointment because I told myself I deserved a reprieve from the circus that is my life. And I was forced to lay down, not look at my phone–and it was the best thing ever. Plus, letting a professional care for my skin was the best thing for my sanity. I know it’s so hard for busy professionals to make the time or justify an extra appointment, but taking better care of your skin, especially with Lauren, helped me feel relaxed and in a place mentally even though she was taking care of my skin.

Also, I’ll admit, I’m vain. If I feel look good, I feel good and before this appointment, my skin felt like garbage. It’s been so dry, a lot of texture and my allergies got me looking puffy and sad. I went in with full make up feeling gross and left with nothing on my skin and didn’t feel insecure without make up for once, I actually felt amazing. These photos were snapped a couple days after the facial and you can see how much better my skin looks now!

Make Time For Your People

I have a small circle of people I truly enjoy and it’s easy to lose track of time and forget to make time for them. Take the initiative to plan a visit to see your friends. Recently, I completed a spring tour of visiting some of my closest friends from high school, actually middle school. From Indy to Atlanta to Kalamazoo, I made my rounds to see some of the best people on this planet and it filled me with so much joy to see their growing families, learn more about their careers and catch up on their latest adventures.

I also call my mom once or twice (or more) every day. She’s the one person I share everything with, whether or not she cares to know HA.

Journal Your Feelings and Shit

Unless I’m talking to a third party professional, talking feelings usually isn’t something I do. I do however, enjoy writing or typing about something that’s bothering me. I find that if I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious in life, if I take the time to think through and possibly write out what’s getting at me, I can recognize those anxieties and stressors, think about solutions and mentally move forward.

Keep a cute journal (Target always has cute ones!), or like me, I keep a folder on my computer to write out thoughts and ideas in Microsoft Word docs since I have barely legible penmanship.

Denim jacket c/o Unpublished | DL1961 denim from Retail Therapy | Hush Puppies shoes c/o Zappos | striped tee from Forever 21

Photography by Ashley Walterhouse