I decided to make this month Self Care September. I really wanted to get a better understanding of what self care is as well as develop a self care regimen for myself. If you missed my posts about self care you can find them here, here and here.
I wanted to end the month by sharing what I did in the name of self care:
I got a full body massage.
A couple of years ago I received one of the best full body massages ever by a woman with her own salon not far from my house. Much to my dismay she moved out of state a few months later. Since then I haven’t tested the massage waters for fear that it wouldn’t possibly beat the experience I previously had. Imagine my elation when I received a email saying she was coming into town for a weekend and doing a pop up shop for massages. I quickly booked mine. It was just as magical as I remember!!!
Went on a weekend get away.
I had planned to go to Miami but Hurricane Irma was being a cockblocker. I haven’t had a real vacation since I got sick. Instead of wasting the time off, I deviated to VA Beach. I did relax and have a good time but it def wasn’t a Miami experience.
Cryotherapy appointment
Cryotherapy was amazing. I’m going to do a separate post describing my experience. But that was something different to say the least.
Mani/pedi
I tried a new salon around the corner from my house that had mixed reviews. While I wasn’t blown away by the mani/pedi there’s nothing like being girly and getting pampered. Nuff said.
Daily Journaling
I think I’ve mentioned my bullet journal before. I decided to start something new in which every morning I write affirmations and what I am thankful for. Then in the evening I write the high or the best thing that happened to me that day and follow that up with daily reflections/thoughts and prayers. This is my place for positivity and growth. Possibly my favorite new self care item.
Took a weekend to do nothing binge watch
After my weekend trip and then going back to work, I knew I needed some down time. Not because I was extremely fatigued or felt a crisis coming. It was more preventative than reactive. So for two days I laid in bed and binge watched different Netflix shows. I didn’t really pay attention to my social media. I left my phone in another room. I simply rested. And it was glorious.
Family Time
After spending copious amount of time by myself, I felt the urge for human connection. I could have easily hit up a friend and dumb something aimless. But I needed this time to have more depth. So I drove across time and surprised my mom and little brother. We sat on the couch and watched movies. There’s nothing like that “home” feeling. Even as an adult I sometimes just need my mommy.
Gave food to a homeless man
I went to Bojangles for lunch one day. I had only ate a french fry when I say a man in the middle of the streets with a sign asking for work. He made a motion that he was hungry. I didn’t have any cash on me, nor a job to give him. But I did have food. I quickly rolled down my window and handed him my meal. It felt good to help someone in need. Even if it was a temporary relief. Plus I probably didn’t need those bad calories anyway.
All in all, I’m proud of the progress I made. I hope to try more things and refine my regimen in the coming months. After the past 30 days I do feel more uplifted and connected. I’d love to hear about your monthly self care regimen or things you’ve tried.
