We just wrapped up chatting about 5 Ways to Practice Self-Compassion in the last blog post. And what I love about self-compassion, self-care, and self-confidence is the way they build up on top of one another. We can literally change our lives by focusing one at a time on how to love ourselves more. So after you regularly show yourself compassion, you are compelled to practice more self-care because you recognize your value. You actually believe that you are worthy of being cared for.

I love this. And I’m excited to dive a little deeper right now in how we can show ourselves some self-care in simple ways.

Well, we’ve already covered some of this. If we don’t show ourselves compassion…if we continue to be hard on ourselves, we won’t believe in our hearts and minds that we deserve to take care of ourselves.

Also, we are women. We are often both blessed and cursed with the instinct to care for others. This isn’t just the case for moms. We have people in our lives that we care about and want to serve whether we have children or not. And if we start to take any time for ourselves, a little bit of guilt just creeps in. It’s almost impossible to avoid.

I feel, also, that we are compelled to always BE PRODUCTIVE. So if we feel like taking a 30 minute bath while watching some Netflix and drinking some wine, there is a thought that sits in the back of our minds that we SHOULD be doing something else!

But here’s the thing…taking care of yourself IS PRODUCTIVE! How else are you going to fill up your cup in order to love and care for the ones you love?

So let’s talk about 5 ways we can practice self-care.

Meditation is one of those self-care activities that for sure feels like you are losing at the game of productivity. This is so the exact opposite. According to Ziva Meditation, meditating gives your body 2-5x deeper rest than sleep! Can you imagine what that feels like to make daily meditation a part of your self-care routine?

When I hear that, I feel like I can’t afford NOT to meditate.

What is amazing is now there are so many great apps to help you along your meditation journey. Apps like Calm and Headspace can be a great start.

“Within you is a stillness and a sanctuary that you can retreat to any time and be yourself.” – Unknown

One thing that this crazy pandemic reminded us all of is that we have technology right at our fingertips.

It’s not enough right now to “catch up” with our friend’s lives by scrolling their feed…we need real genuine connection with our tribe. Having a fun virtual hang out at night can do wonders for our souls. Get dressed up, make a cocktail, put on some music, reminisce, and have some fun! And if you can see each other in person safely…even better!

“I’m a better person in this lovely circle of ladies.” — Unknown

There is nothing like being out in nature. It’s food for your soul. Try taking a daily walk…even if it’s only 10 minutes. And I challenge you to sometimes take that walk without your headphones. No music. No podcast. No phone calls. No audiobooks. Just take a walk, look around, do some daydreaming or contemplating, and just be with your own thoughts.

It might be hard at first to not think about how you might be “wasting time” (again…that productivity complex creeping in)…but it is so rewarding to take this time for YOURSELF

“In every walk in with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”John Muir

And by pamper yourself I don’t mean go spend hundreds of dollars getting a massage, getting your nails done, etc. However, yes, that can be a form of self-care as well and is totally encouraged.

But this can be done at home too! And maybe it’s not as fancy, but you won’t regret taking the time to pamper yourself and care for yourself.

Start with lighting some candles, putting on some relaxing music, and soaking in an epsom salt bath. Then go through your skincare routine followed by painting your nails. And then those nails gotta dry so sit down in front of some Netflix and DO NOTHING…which leads me to the last tip.

“I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick.” — Audrey Hepburn

This is my favorite. Let’s practice NOT FEELING GUILTY for doing nothing. Just chill. Just sit and drink your coffee. Just read a book that is just for fun. Just watch a movie or binge a show. Just drink some wine and stare at the wall.

Honestly, anything goes.

We can do nothing at all and have that refill our cups. Sometimes our brains and bodies just need a break. So as long as you’re enjoying yourself during your “free time,” it’s all fair game.

“I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.” J.K. Rowling

Taking time for YOU takes practice. It’s not as easy as it should be. I’d love to continue this conversation with you! Head over to the Glam Cave VIP Facebook Group and tell me how you will challenge yourself to do some self-care this month!

Coming up in the last post of the “Self-C’s Series” is SELF-CONFIDENCE. What we all want, am I right? If you want a head start, download my free guide all about 8 Ways to Reclaim Your Confidence!