| 5 ways to practice self care |

Perhaps we should love ourselves so fiercely, that when others see us, they know exactly how it's done... 

Well, it's only Thursday and I am exhausted. There was so much packed into the weekend and these previous days that has make this week seem endless. I need a good nap and to unplug. So, I thought it was the perfect time to share some self care practice tips with you. After talking with friends here and there, it seems everyone is a little worn out. I think it's just a January feeling, trying to get going in the new year as well. Cold weather is hitting many of us hard, but fear not, we're almost through the month. So, take a little more time at the weekend for yourself and keep warm.

Loves & Loves

xoxoxox

5 ways to practice self-care

1. Meditate/have quiet time in a quiet place - I don't know about anyone else but my brain gets a little frazzled when I don't get any quiet time. I like to be busy doing things I love but I need to shut off as well. I get stressed otherwise. I meditate while taking a bath or shower. I let the water wash all other noise away. I get out feeling fantastic. It took some practice to do as I would think about what I would do when I got out or if my girls needed something & so on & just get out feeling more stressed. So don't fret if it takes some getting used to. 

2. Get yourself some flowers or plants - I love flowers, I think everyone knows this by now. They make me feel happy & like I'm outside even if I'm inside. Spring is my favourite season when all the flowers come out. So, especially in the winter getting flowers is needed for me. Caring for plants really helps some feel at ease, they're great to have in homes in the city too. They reduce carbon dioxide levels, helping with breathing levels. They release water which helps with keeping respiratory issues at bay and purify the air. Plus, they look fantastic in any space, there are so many plants to choose from. If you suffer from allergies, obviously don't go there with this one, get some chocolates or something like that instead. Setting allergies off isn't worth it!

3. Get up and get dressed - Sometimes I fall into the 'I don't feel like getting dressed because I feel horrible' box and find it a struggle to even want to brush my hair. But, it's only when I just get up and get dressed, do makeup (or not) put my favourite perfume on and just take care of myself do I realize that these things are so important as they really do make us feel better. Yes, having one or two sloppy days can have the same effect as getting rest and that's just as important, but try not to let the sloppy days take over as then the scales will be tipped in the other direction. Balance is the key! Like in the picture below, I didn't go anywhere but I got dressed and just had fun after a streak of hiding away.

4. Try a new healthy recipe - Sometimes we eat the same things all the time, often we don't have time to prepare things so we eat fast food. But, bodies need sustenance and eating the same thing can be a very boring and un-healthy routine. Recipes now a days are so easy to find, you don't even need to buy books anymore, you can find endless recipes on blogs, food websites, and even sites like pinterest. I have a folder full of new ideas to try and I love making them and tweaking them to my own tastes. Trying a variety of healthy food is not only great for the bodies but it keeps us curious and discovering new things - break the routine.

5. Have a massage - When I was a beauty therapist, massage was my favourite. The benefits of massage are so great. It not only helps the body but also the mind. Many of us carry our stress in the body and mind so massage is a great way of releasing that. Often stress is released that we didn't know we were holding onto. I'd have clients cry just because they didn't realize that they had been holding these feelings in. Some fell asleep as well. I love going and having a massage, if I can't get to go somewhere, my husband gives me one or I give myself one. Self massage is just as important too. Lots of books and guides to help where to get started. Even something as simple as a hand massage can cause us to stop and relax for those five minutes or more. 

XOXOXO