5 Ways I Show Myself Much Needed TLC

As mentioned before, I have been so preoccupied with diapers, bottles, pumping, and Sesame Street, I realized that I haven’t done much for myself. About 5 months ago, I started my journey toward adding some much needed self care to my daily routine.

1. Got active

I opened up a gym membership and vowed to get myself back into shape. I go about 3 times a eeek and although I haven’t lost any weight, I am getting not only physically stronger, but mentally stronger as well. I use those 60 minutes as a way to clear my mind, listen to the music I want and work out any stress the day may have added to me. As I am able to lift heavier or run longer, I am feeling more empowered.

2. Bi-weekly Mani/Pedi dates

There’s something to be said about getting in that pedicure chair and leaning back as the chair massages you and the technician fills up the basin with warm water. I absolutely love having the bottom of my feet scrubbed with the pumice stone as I listen to some old school R&B. I zone out and simply enjoy myself.

3. Updated my daily skin routine

I started making more time for myself centered around my shower. I started adding a toner and moisturizer with SPF along with a night cream. My skin is glowing even during the dreary wintry days. When you look good, you feel good.

4. Changing my wardrobe

I know it sounds dramatic, however, I little by little, I started doing the capsule wardrobe thing that everyone’s raving about. I’m actually finding my personal style and I’m enjoying looking well put together even if it’s just to Target run. Again, when you look good, you feel even better.

5. Added a daily make up routine

Concealer to cover my under eye bags (which are much lighter now that I have a skin routine), blush, eyebrows, and a juicy lip tint. I look like I took hours to get ready but realistically it only added about 15 minutes to my routine.

6. Solo dates

Years ago when I lived in Chicago by myself, I began dating myself. I would go to the movies, dinner, drinks at a bar, escape rooms, all by myself. The solo dates encouraged me to get out of my head and do something that I’ve been wanting to do with involving or waiting for someone else to be available. I ended up having some great conversations and even made a really good friend, that I am still friends with 10 years later. Now that I have my beautiful children, I am enjoying the small amounts of solo time I have, these moments are precious, so why not go to a movie or run errands, or even cozy up with a good book and a glass of wine at the end of the day?

I’m curious to know how you spend quality time with yourself? Have you done anything fun or different lately? I’d love to hear your thoughts.