For those of you who know me in "regular' life, you probably know that I am terrible at self-care. The worst part? I talk about it all the time, preach about the importance and even teach about the importance of self-care in my classroom. The recommendation that I make for others is 3 times a week for at least 20 minutes a session. These 20 minute self-love sessions can be anything from yoga to meditation to bubble baths to walks in nature. It just needs to be something that is just for you that is consistently done.
Since I am ridiculously horrible at this, as of last Saturday, I initiated Self-Care Saturday. I went and had my hair cut and "pink streaked" by Cassie at Allure Salon in Bartlesville (tell her I sent you and you get a discount!!). I would be lying if I said I immediately felt better and that my stress melted away because that's just not accurate. I am however, banking on my own belief that consistency is key! It is because of the need for consistency that I plan to do something for me every Saturday for the foreseeable future and eventually find two more mornings or evenings each week to add to my self-care regimen.
I often have friends tell me that they cannot afford self care. I always respond you can't not afford self-care. There is absolutely no price tag on mental health and wellness. Besides not all self-care has to be expensive. Sure, a day at a luxurious day spa with mimosas and oxygen therapy sounds amazing, but spending all that money is really not realistic for most of us! Here are some free, or super inexpensive self care ideas that I happen to love:
Watch TED talks. As any of my students will tell you, I am a confirmed, unapologetic TED talks junkie. And there are TED talks for everything!!
Play hooky. Blow off your responsibilities. Stay in your pjs or window shop the mall.
Color! There are even coloring books for every love!
Read a book.
Go out and compliment strangers. It is so much fun and will put you in a super good mood! Also, most people compliment you back! Hooray for much needed self-esteem boosts!
Do something you loved as a kid. Whether it is looking for cool rocks or playing in the sand. Revisit that time when you really didn't know what stress was!
Ruin your dinner. Prepare or buy something you really enjoy, and really enjoy it. Warm brownies with ice cream or nachos. Enjoy it! Remember calories don't count when it's self-care.
Plan your next trip. Look for restaurants to try and experiences to have. Give yourself a ton to look forward to!
List three things you are grateful for (you all already know how I feel about this one!). It works like a charm every time!
Put down the social media and go outside instead. Look at the birds, flowers and butterflies. Maybe if you are lucky you will even see a cat!
Regardless of what you choose, I encourage you to begin self-care Saturdays with me! Not only then are we taking care of ourselves, we are taking better care of each other!
Me with my first Self-Care Saturday hair!
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