8 Easy Ways to Practice Self Care

This isn’t my usual kind of post, but I felt like it was timely. With all the things that happened in January, I wanted to give you (see: myself) the extra push to keep following your dreams and living your best life. All while taking the necessary steps to practicing self care and choosing you always. I know we’ve all seen and probably even heard that, the world is ending and these are the signs. While, this may or may not be true, it did get me thinking. These past few days, I struggled with dealing with emotions of loss, tragedy and even questioned a few times, “What’s the point of all this?” I saw a tweet though that resonated with me and read it over and over again. I spoke with my mom and friends, watched Grace and Frankie, listened to inspirational music and read a few scriptures. A week later, the dark cloud is starting to move away. But honestly, if I don’t take care of me, who will? Time may be running out or I may have a whole lot of time left. We don’t know, but in the meantime, here’s how you can actively choose you and practice self care:

Take the much needed day off

I am an advocate for calling in/out (which ever way you say it), just ask any of my friends. I have seen people struggle and struggle at the job because they’re dealing with family issues, sickness or simply tired. Instead of taking ONE day for themselves they come to work because it “looks” good. I’m definitely not saying every time you feel a little off you should stay home. If that was the case I’m sure many of us (myself included) would be home a lot, then we wouldn’t even have jobs to go to. However, self care (mental health) days are so important and can make a world of a difference.

Book the massage or facial

I love me a Swedish massage. I started treating myself to yearly massages usually around my birthday or the beginning of the year in 2017 and honestly I need to get them more often. I’ve had amazing massages at Baha Retreat, like mind blowing good. I am interested in trying someplace new though. Who would you recommend? In the spirit of starting the new year off right, I visited Amardon Facials a few weeks ago and I left there glowing. You can view my entire experience on my “Self Care” highlights on my Instagram.

Sleep for an entire day/ Wake up without an alarm

Of all the things on this list, I find this to be the most challenging for me. I’m a night owl, I thrive in the late evening, early morning. Like, I’m editing this post at 12:38 am. I hate waking up before 10/11 in the morning, but I have to because of work. Ugh! So on the Saturdays or Sundays that I am able to sleep until I wake up and not have to be bothered with using an alarm, I truly treasure them. I don’t think we realize the importance of a good night rest or a good day rest, if you’re anything like me. Getting adequate amount of sleep for your body can be very beneficial, especially paired with eating healthy, drinking enough water and all the other things we should be doing to preserve our bodies.

Order you favorite foods and have a date night with yourself

About 2 weeks ago, I stopped for a bottle of wine and sushi on my way home. It was the best time. I enjoyed my favorite things while watching one of my favorite shows and just embraced quality time with myself. It’s honestly the simple things like getting fro yo, going to the bookstore or watching a new Netflix series alone that can have you so at peace, if only for a little while.

Book the trip you keep putting off

Well this is supposed to be a travel blog right? Of course, travel is a form of self care.  Close your eyes and think of the one destination that every time you see photos, read blogs or watch vlogs, you’re like “I have to visit”. There has to be someplace you want to go. For me, that place is Europe, specifically Italy. I have to go there, soon. It’s something about the architecture, the food, the culture, the history and waters that make me always envision myself there living the best life. This is your sign to book your ticket or at least, start doing some googling to plan.

Spend time with the people that are important to you

We get so caught up in everyday life, that we forget that everyone in our lives are only there for a season. Our parents are getting older, our siblings are getting older and we are getting older as well. The people we love won’t always be around, so we have to appreciate them while they are here. Spending time with my family and friends usually always brings a smile to my face or a lot of laughter. Whether, it’s a text, call, a lunch date or going grocery shopping together; the little things and time shared do matter.

Go back to school

This year, I’ll be celebrating 4 years since graduating from college with my Bachelors. I had anticipated going back to school in 2018 and 2019 to complete my Masters degree but as they say, “tings ain’t tings”. For numerous reasons, it just wasn’t the right time but I do believe that time is coming and coming real soon. In the meantime though, I’m interested in doing certifications and finding more ways to keep learning in all aspects of my life. If you’re interested in doing a course in the near future, I’d recommend you check out UB’s Continuing Education professional development program. Classes are scheduled to start at the end of February.

Quit that job that constantly has you stressing and figure out your next steps

Yesterday, one of my friends left Nassau and moved to Cuba for 3 months. I am so proud and happy for her. I’m half way through these twenty somethings and I honestly think we pressure ourselves too much trying to navigate our careers and relationships. We are constantly made to believe that if we don’t have it all together by or even before 30, we’re failing at life and that is not true. It takes a lot of courage to leave comfortable for uncomfortable, or at least unfamiliar. I do know that everyone doesn’t have the opportunity to just quit their job and move due to other obligations. However, it’s still important to choose you first and figure out what makes you happy. If you are getting to the point where you just dread going to your job everyday, it’s time to start planning your exit, whether it’s in a different department, company or country. Life still goes on and if you leave, they will just replace you. Read the last 3 sentences again, the same can be said for any relationships you are in too, be that romantic or platonic.

Have you actively taken time to love on yourself today or even this week? What are some of your self care practices?