Stress is one of the worst things for our body and it’s something I want to keep at a minimum if I can help it. I feel like more often than not, we get caught up in the busyness of everyday life that we become more overwhelmed than we need to be. Yesterday was a hard day and it made me think about how important it is to practice self-care. Not just for myself, but also for my family and friends. I’m going to tell you a little bit about my real life day yesterday {tears were shed}, along with 5 Ways to Practice Self-Care. I feel like this is a post I really needed to write so I can remind myself how crucial it is for my personal wellbeing. I hope you find it helpful too, no matter what you’re going through.

Ok so about yesterday:

Ugh it was rough. Rough in the new mom sense of “Hey, I’m still trying to figure this whole motherhood thing out!” I was constantly wishing the day away, basically counting down the hours where I could just sit by myself and not have a little person hanging onto my legs, pulling my hair, throwing food everywhere, and squawking very loudly in my ear. I felt stressed, tired, and it seemed like all of a sudden I’ve been thrown in the toddler tantrum world, completely unprepared. Let’s just say I was really looking forward to bedtime, for both of us!

One thing that’s been on my mind though is that I need to get my gel manicure off {I have such a love/hate relationship with them- love that they last 2-3 weeks but hate how damaging they are}. I’ve been constantly picking at my nails this week {hi, stress!} and I didn’t want to damage them any further so I knew I needed to get them properly removed. I found a salon open late that could take off the gel. I was sitting there at 8pm, barely able to keep my eyes open, spilled food on my dress, scratch marks on my arms, and the most unbrushed/uncared for sad sort of a ponytail. It was an unglamorous, real mom moment. I was feeling guilty for being there when I should be home, making dinner, doing work, cleaning the house, etc., etc., etc., and all of a sudden the tears started coming. So ridiculous right?! I know there are people going through much much harder times than I am {I was getting a manicure for gosh sake!}, and I debated even sharing this, but I’m sure many of you have been there too. You reach a point where you just feel unbelievably overwhelmed and totally beat down by life and obligations. All I wanted to do was get out of that salon and bury my head under the covers of my bed and wake up to a clean house, a happy baby, an empty inbox, and a well-rested self. I couldn’t wait to get out of there.

Funny enough though, I left the nail salon feeling a little lighter. Life can be hard sometimes and while toughing it out can seem like the best or “strongest” option, sometimes you just have to take a step back and take some time for you. You don’t have to tough it out. I honestly think that this 30-minute break was just what I needed. I did something for myself – a manicure as opposed to picked off gel that would damage my nails, and I got outside of my normal day to day element. Usually, when I put Augustine to sleep, I’ll go and make dinner and then get straight on my computer. Last night I got a manicure, picked up take-out, because why not, and then came back home. I even took a bath- complete with special salts! It was honestly just what I needed and it really helped me turn the day around. Sometimes you just need a deep breath and a little space.

Today I thought I’d share with you a few reasons why it’s so important to take time away from our busy daily schedules and some self-care tips that have really worked for me. You might guess a few of them!

SHOP THE POST

dress . heels . bag . earrings . cuff . lipstick in Blast Off .

5 Ways to Practice Self-Care

Taking time to do some self-care really is so vital and important. Here are a few reasons why self-care is important and some ways I take time to stop and reflect.

Keep a Gratitude Journal: Daily reminders of gratitude has been linked to being physically and emotionally beneficial. I keep a gratitude journal to remind me of all the little things I love and appreciate, especially when it comes to Augustine. Can you believe I’ve been using this journal with Augustine since Day 1? I think it would make such a thoughtful gift for a new mom! This book + flowers/a home-cooked meal would mean a lot in the early days!  But back to the gratitude journal! I think spending five minutes in the morning to quickly write out a few thoughts sets your day in the right direction. I often don’t get that chance until Augustine’s first nap, but I try to do it when I can because it really makes such a difference in my outlook.

Take a Break: I like to think of this as the adult time out. Take five minutes, or more if you can! Go for a walk outside, take an afternoon coffee break, spend time with a good book, or my favorite… take a long hot bath. Find something that relaxes and reenergizes you, free from the daily distractions in life. You’ll come back refreshed and ready to take on the remainder of the day or at least have a good night sleep.

Learning to Say No: This is something I always struggle with because I really wish I could do it all. Unfortunately, I can’t but that’s OK! Learning to say no has helped me prioritize my week and my times of rest. Normally I’d find an empty spot in my schedule and fill it up with a project instead of using that time to take a break for myself. This year I’m really trying to prioritize my health, and that means learning when to say no and accepting those times of peace.

Meditate/Work Out: Sometimes the best way to relieve stress is to quiet your mind. It can also be the hardest! Taking a few moments to quiet your thoughts can actually help relieve stress.  Other benefits can include emotional stability and help with your immune system. Taking time to be mindful and in the present moment is a daily gift you can give yourself- and it’s free! I just downloaded the Calm App which I hear is a really great way to bring meditation into your daily life. I’ll let you all know what I think once I start using it!

Eating Healthily and Mindfully: One of the best things we can do for our bodies (and souls) is fuel it with good quality food. So often we’re running from place to place and attempting to multitask eating on the road. I love spending time in the kitchen, creating new recipes to try {like this one} and gathering my family around the table for some quality time.  That to me is the best self-care we can ask for.

Would love to know if you have any self-care tips + tricks that have worked for you. I’d love to hear! And here’s another post that I really needed to re-read today: Ways to be the Best You! #4 has been on my mind a lot these days.

Hope you all have a great Thursday and thanks so much for stopping by!

xox

Some Items to Help to Get You in the Mood for Self-Care

loungewear cardigan . blanket . robe .  pajama pants . water bottle . leggings. candle . aromatherapy mist  . bath salts . gratitude journal .