Self Care isn't Selfish

One of my first posts was about my skincare routine, and I as I was looking back I realized that my whole routine around self care has changed dramatically. I have been more in tune with my needs as well as fulfilling them. I have been trying to make habits of some new activities that I want to integrate into my day, full time. Don’t get me wrong, making habits and keeping at something is extremely hard. Just look how I neglected my blog for a while. But I will say that during that time I really sought to get in control of my life, and I’m happy to say that I have gotten much better! Sometimes just small things, like making your bed, or doing a face mask, really can improve your mood quite a bit and make you feel refreshed and ready for the day!

Whether it’s a week day or the weekend, it’s always important to take time for yourself at some point throughout the day. For me, the morning when I wake up and before bed are the times that make me feel the most recharged.

Personally, I don’t like to stay in bed when I wake up. I enjoy to just get right out of bed and start the day! To make me feel even more awake and presentable, I go through my bathroom routine. Shower, wash face, do makeup, and get dressed. There was a point in my recent past where those four simple things seemed so impossible. It felt like I had to climb and descend Mount Everest before I could go back to sleep. It’s one of the worst feelings in the world that the only thing standing in your way is yourself, which is the most difficult obstacle to tackle. There are so many tips and tricks to help with motivation, but I’ve found that it all comes down to yourself when it comes to making a change. You are the only one in control of your own life. None of the self care activities that I do, are to impress other people or show of my progression. It’s all about how I feel in my own skin. Everything that I do is to make me feel confident, and when I feel my best it is so much easier for me to be unapologetically myself.

Something that is one of the simplest things to do, is to literally just keep yourself clean! You’re probably like “Yeah, duh”. But, it’s so impactful how that little bit of time spent in the shower, washing your face, or brushing your teeth can affect your self esteem. Even if you already do those things, just think about it in a new way. You are taking time to care for your body and making yourself feel presentable. In the end, it’s YOU time! And the same goes for putting on makeup, if you do. Once again, it’s important to know, and believe, that your natural skin is beautiful and there is no pressure to cover up any imperfections because we all got ‘em! But if putting on just some chapstick and mascara or a full glamorous face makes you feel cute, DO IT! And after your face has gotten all that attention, do whatever you usually do to your hair (for me it’s nothing haha), look at yourself in the mirror and be like..

“I’m cute. I’m strong. I’m enough. And I am worthy!”

Something new that I have really gotten into recently, is stretching! It feels so good to give your muscles some attention and release all the tension from the night before or the whole day. Now, even if you aren’t the most flexible you can still do this, trust me. Don’t push yourself or hurt yourself please, but just enough to feel it can impact your mood so much! Be mindful of how each individual muscle feels. There are plenty of apps as well that have guided meditations along with so many different mindfulness activities.

Being aware of your body can be difficult for some people, it has been for me in the past. Throughout the journey of self love, it is necessary to be in tune with your body. I want to tell everyone reading this that they aren’t a waste of space. You aren’t in the way of anyone. You deserve to take up space in this world. Each individual adds something so special and unique that creates such a diverse and accepting environment. We all have different needs to make sure we are the best and most healthy versions of ourselves. Self care isn't selfish.

If anyone wants me to go more in dept with any products that I use, including makeup or skincare, let me know! I’m also open to trying new products for anyone who wants a review!