Woo-sah! Isn’t that what they say? We don’t really need to “woo-sah”.

We need to incorporate self-care into our lives by establishing routine! Self-care is not selfish! That is the secret. When I started this blog site, it was a goal of mine for women to realize and truly understand themselves better. Self-care rituals are part of understanding your entire being.

Women play so many roles in society, and let’s face it – without us, the world would absolutely crumble. We are warriors and goddesses and we come in all shapes, sizes, and with different occupations. Many of us even have multiple occupations, because, well.. that’s just how it is! Instead of being down about it, or on ourselves we need to take care of ourselves in the same way that we care for everyone else.

Women are moms, we are chefs, personal secretaries, house maids, IT techs, designers, builders, crafters, teachers, doctors, nutritionists and then some. I could keep going until I’m blue in the face, but I think those of you reading this know exactly what I mean.

We need time for ourselves too! Before continuing on, please remember: Self-care is not selfish. Don’t let anyone make you think that by taking care of you, and putting yourself first (for once) that you are being selfish, or that you don’t deserve it!

And if this is an emergency, go make a cup of lavender tea and start to run a bath. Right now!

In this article I’m going to briefly go over some of my favorite self-care activities that are much needed and well deserved.

1. Cover Yourself in Water

I don’t mean water from the sink while doing dishes either. What I mean is go take a shower, or a bubble bath. It might seem pretty basic, but I know for a fact that there are hundreds, if not thousands of moms who become so insanely busy that they forget to even shower or they just simply can’t or don’t make time.

Not saying it’s an everyday thing, but sometimes it can be hard to balance kids, work life, home life, school, or whatever project it is that you are working on. Go get in the bubble bath, use a bath bomb, or your favorite essential oils.

When I shower I really like to envision myself washing away all of the bullshit from the day! I’m not just cleaning myself physically, but also mentally – and that is important for self-care. Don’t forget to grab some Oreos and also lock the door. Just lock yourself in the bathroom. It’s going to be okay.

2. Go Outside

Going outside is usually high up there on pretty much all of my lists. Reason being is because we need nature and fresh air for our mental, physical, and spiritual health. If you are not getting enough time outdoors it can make you stir-crazy and turn into She-Hulk.

Before you turn green completely, try to surround yourself with green instead by taking a walk on a nature trail, going to a park, or just sitting in your own backyard if you have that luxury. Go observe the trees, the birds, and the flowers. STOP and smell the damn roses.

Give yourself just a few moments to feel like a princess. Put on some red lipstick if you must, just don’t let anyone catch you talking to the squirrels. It happened to me once, and now everyone thinks I’m crazy. Perhaps that is not such a bad thing, though.

3. Read A Book

Read a book. Get lost inside of the book. When the kids go to sleep and your husband or partner is watching football, or doing whatever activity it is that they do – go get lost in a book. Books are a form of escape.

Books can help stir up your own imagination and feelings, and take you to places that you otherwise would not be at all while you are sitting in the comfort of your own home. If fantasy or fairy tales are not your thing, find books that can help advance your skills and improve who you are as a person.

I’m not saying to run straight to the self-help book section, (unless that is your thing, there is nothing wrong with that) but you should read things that are going to help you learn and grow. Reading can help you improve yourself and your life no matter what it is you decide to read. If you can’t bear the thought of reading a full novel, check out audio books.

4. Dance In the Kitchen to Your Favorite Song

My favorite thing to do is dance in the kitchen. My mop and I have had some serious dance competitions. Just kidding! Kind of..

This is basically an alternative to driving with the music blasting. Music is just really good for the soul and it’s been proven that if you listen to music that you love, you will automatically feel better.

Music can be quite therapeutic and therefore it is on my self-care list. If you don’t feel like dancing in the kitchen, then just playing your favorite songs, albums or playlists should do the trick.

5. Binge Watching

Do you ever have those days where your brain is just completely mush and your body feels like doing nothing? If you are working hard and become overworked your mind and body will go into what I call: mush mode. This is where you are just insanely tired and mushy and don’t feel like doing a damn thing.

This is one of the signs that you know for sure you are in desperate need of self-care. Grab your favorite blanket and cuddle up on the couch with your favorite human(s) or cats and watch that entire season of the show you’ve been missing out on. You know, the one that everyone has been talking about, but you’re too busy to watch. Yup. That’s the one.

6. Get a Mani/Pedi

Getting a manicure and/or a pedicure is probably one of the most common and relaxing self-care techniques you can practice. When you get a manicure and pedicure your entire body will go into a state of relaxation. The muscles in your hands and feet will also be massaged during the moisturizing process of the spa treatment. This is really good for you mentally but also physically because mani/pedis have the tendency to increase blood circulation throughout the body.

Before you spend your hard earned money on a spa service, do your research. It’s critical to do your research to make sure that you get the proper treatment you deserve. Some places are definitely better than others. Always check the reviews and photos on sites like Google and Yelp before booking any appointment.

Reviews from real people in your area can help you make better decisions. I learned this the hard way! I once was entirely exhausted and was desperately in need of a serious break. I chose a mani/pedi from a local nail salon down the street from where I live. It was not such a good experience, and since then I’ve found a much better place equally close to my home by doing my research.

Now I’m able to have a relaxing experience (important for my self-care) every single time! If for some reason you are not able to go to a local salon, have a girls night at home. Invite all of your best friends and give each other mani/pedis at home.

7. Exercise

Whether I want to admit it or not, exercise is part of self-care. We have only one body and we need to take care of it as best as we can. Taking care of your body also ensures that you are taking care of yourself mentally. I’ve never been big into exercising, and I’m definitely not one of those Instagram models. However, to truly take care of yourself you don’t need to look like them, eat like them, or base your life off of anyone else’s life.

As long as you get regular exercise, you are going to be able to maintain yourself care. “Regular exercise” looks different for everyone. For some people this might mean aerobics or Zumba (my personal favorite), some may like to lift weights, some might like kick boxing, yoga or cycling. There is really no wrong way to incorporate exercise into your self-care routines.

The main point is that you just do it. You have to make time and fit it into your schedule. We can all sacrifice 15-20 minutes per day. There are truly no excuses. Once you exercise you will burn off some energy and calories and you will feel stronger and refreshed.

8. Take A Nap!

Sleep! Go to sleep. Just take a nap. Sometimes a nap is way more helpful than you can even imagine. I remember when I was a teenager, my best friend’s mom would take “power naps”. Back then we would laugh and tease and make little jokes at her power naps because we were absolutely terrible girls. Now as an adult, I fully and completely understand and respect the might powers of the “power nap”. Power naps can be taken for 20-40 minutes (or however long you really want to nap for) and you will wake up feeling much better than when you went to sleep.

If a power nap does not work, just take a super long nap. Either way, make sure you get an adequate amount of sleep as part of your self-care routine. Sleep is essential for the brain and body to function properly. Without sleep, you will start to feel crazy and turn into that She-Hulk creature I was talking about earlier. Power naps are good, and She-Hulk should only be incorporated during Halloween or costume parties.

9. Mental Health Day

Have a mental health day! If you are foreign to the idea of a “Mental Health Day”, let me explain. You know those sick hours and PTO days that you never use at work because you’re the star employee? Use them. Use all of them. This is your life, and that is your time. Nobody can tell you that you can’t have a mental health day. In fact, it is becoming increasingly common for employees to tell their employers that they need a mental health day.

If you are uncomfortable calling off work or giving a thorough explanation, that is fine. You can just tell your job that you have family matters to take care of outside of work. I mean, for cryin’ out loud – we are living through “unprecedented times”. We deserve our mental health days! They are not allowed to question you extensively or be in your business to no avail. Your business is yours! You do not owe anyone an explanation for using your PTO and sick hours. Use them all up! During your mental health day you can do what you see fit. This means – take a mini vacation, get that mani/pedi, go shopping, or you can simply do absolutely nothing. Sometimes doing nothing is best!

10. Self-Care Sunday

Self-Care Sunday is a ritual activity that I like to do as often as I can. On Self-Care Sunday’s I usually complete several, (or at least one) of the activities that I have mentioned in this article. Self-Care Sunday should include activities that revitalize you, and invigorate you in every way possible.

You don’t have to limit your self-care days to just Sunday. I prefer it because I’m usually using Sunday as a day to recover from the busy week that has been put behind me. You can practice your own “Self-Care Sunday” on any day of the week that works best for you.

Pampering yourself is simply just part of being healthy and you should not feel bad for it, at all. Don’t let anyone make you feel down on yourself for taking care of you! There is only one you. Cherish yourself.