If being a mom has taught me anything, it’s that I need to be efficient—even when it comes to my self-care routine. Don’t get me wrong, there are those rare evenings when I can run a bath and slowly sip on a glass of wine, but let’s be real, that happens about once a year. This list of self-care ideas is much more approachable. They’re small ways to make sure you’re still taking time for yourself without you needing three hours to do it. Because honestly, sometimes I find myself avoiding self-care simply because I know I don’t have an hour or more to give to it.
So whether you’re a mom or a busy woman on the go, these self-care ideas are for you! I find they fall into that category of small things that add up to make a big difference. Enjoy! xx Ashley
A MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE
This is something I do already, so I feel like it’s been an easy way for me to make it feel more self-care vs something I have to do by adding in rituals and products I really love. I shared my current morning routine recently, and while I’m always trying new products because of my job, the foundation of this routine is always the same: a really good cleanse, a toner to balance the pH of my skin, an active or treatment of some kind and then a moisturizer. I feel 10x fresher when I start my day with this routine compared to the ones where I make the mistake of immediately going into my office and planting myself for hours.
TAKE A BEAT
I read an article about the idea of “taking a beat” sometime last year and it really resonated with me. If you’re not familiar with the concept, it simply means taking a moment to yourself—a moment to regroup, recenter and just breathe. I love to take a step outside if the weather’s nice and let the sun shine on my face for a few minutes while I breathe deeply with my eyes closed for a minute or two. So quick and easy to do and very relaxing.
A SCALP DETOX
This might sound like a big to-do, but you can actually do it in the shower, which means you can check two boxes at once. I go into detail about scalp detoxes and how to do them in this post, so check it out for instructions (it’s super easy). You will need two products, though – this scalp scrub and the Detangling Gelée Conditioner—both from Christophe Robin, one of my favorite beauty brands.
STRETCH
It’s embarrassing how much of my day I spend sitting. Between working at my laptop and sitting with George while he eats/plays/lays on me, some days I’m mortified by my lack of movement. Taking 10 minutes to stretch makes me feel much less stiff, not to mention it feels amazing! If you’re married or live with a friend I 10/10 recommend doing this together!
MAKE YOURSELF A GREEN SMOOTHIE
If you’re having one of those days where you’re not sure when the last time was that you ate something leafy and green, whip up a green smoothie. Whenever I’m feeling a little blah, I find those are the times I tend to reach for cookies and chips, but downing a smoothie packed with fruit and veggies not only gets me some nutrients but I feel way better than I do after eating a whole row of Chips Ahoy—that’s for sure.
KEEP POSITIVE INSPIRATION ON HAND
This is why it’s super important to follow people on social and to save things that inspire you because one day you’re really going to need that extra boost of motivation/inspiration. I have an entire board on Pinterest dedicated to inspirational quotes that I pull up any time I need to see something instantly uplifting. I highly recommend creating your own or following mine. To remind you to be positive, you can screenshot your favorite quote and save it as your phone’s background.
SAY NO
This takes literally no time at all and always feels amazing if you ask me. I know with quarantine happening these last few months, you actually might be excited to say yes to a few things, but if you ever are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out saying no to more appointments, meetings, tasks, etc. is the best self-care you can give to yourself.
LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE SONG
If you’re a music junkie, keeping a go-to playlist or song ready and waiting for when you need it most is always a good idea. I know some people really connect to music and feel it deeply, so if this is you, show yourself some love and give that special song a listen whenever you find yourself needing it.
GO FOR A QUICK WALK
I don’t know if it’s because we haven’t really been allowed to go anywhere non-essential until recently, but walks have been extremely therapeutic for me lately. The best part is you can take a quick one around the block or stretch it into an hour or more—whatever works for your schedule. It’s such a great way to decompress. Aus, George and I have been doing this a lot lately and I definitely want it to be a permanent part of our routine.
TOUCH BASE WITH YOUR PARTNER OR A GOOD FRIEND
Human connection is something we all need right now, especially if you live alone. Take a few minutes to call a friend or your mom or sister. It can feel really good to just talk to someone without an agenda. On the flip side, if you live with your significant other, touch base with them. Check in and see how they’re doing. I’ve learned over the years that brushing past each other in the morning on the way to the coffee pot isn’t quite enough, so make touching base with them a priority.
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