Self Care Essentials

At first this post was about adding affirmation cards and bath bombs to your daily routine, but after thinking about it for a while, I realized, the foundation of self-care isn't really about putting on a face mask and listening to soothing music. That fluff helps- but really taking care of yourself starts with the basics: drinking enough water, eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting enough sleep, limiting things that have a negative impact on your well-being. That's the foundation to feeling good- inside and out. And then you add the fluff. ;) So, we've covered it all: the framework and the fluff!

{Side note: if you're feeling really down or depressed, please please please reach out to family, friends or professionals. Here's a list of crisis lines per province. Remember that YOU ARE NOT ALONE in this.}

SELF-CARE ESSENTIALS PART ONE- The Basics

*Healthy, balanced diet {Fill up on veg & fruit, get enough protein, remember good-for-you grains, and, in most cases, carbs aren't the enemy!}
*Water {Bring a water bottle wherever you go and consciously make sure you get your daily 8 cups+}
*Exercise {We all know it's better to exercise than to not, so go out for a walk, find a YouTube routine, hit up the gym... get moving!}
*Sleep {Unless you have a new baby who's keeping you up, chances are you are in control of your sleep schedule. If you've got sleep issues and even the most popular sleep app can't help you, visit your doctor.}
*Talk {It's so easy to get stuck in your own head, worrying about things that probably aren't worth it. Pick up the phone or better yet, meet up with a friend for a coffee/tea.}

SELF-CARE ESSENTIALS PART TWO- The Fluff

*Journal {do a little writing, a little sketching, a little life planning, goal setting, etc.}
*Self-Care Books {whether from the library or your local book store, there's a self-help book for everything.}
*Sleep/Meditation Apps {so many free options out there! which one is your favourite? let me know in the comments}
*Colouring Book {sure, it may be trendy, but for good reason: it helps to relax and zone out for a bit.}
*Candles or Incense {look for calming scents- my fave: sandalwood}  
*Daily Mantra/Inspirational Affirmations Cards {a positive way to start your day}
*Yoga Mat {head over to YouTube to find the perfect routine for you. Here are some good sleep-inducing routines.}
*Bath Bombs {or soaks, bubble bath, salts, etc.}

Extras
*Light therapy {sun lamps for Seasonal Affective Disorder... have you tried? do they work well?}
*Plants {bring a little bit of that summer feel indoors} 
*Fluffy Socks and PJs {sure, any old T-shirt will work for sleep, but there's something indulgent about getting a new pair of very comfortable pyjamas... and, hey, you deserve it!}