Good morning lovelies, it’s May!! Life was pretty crazy in the Daoud household last month. Eihab and I worked a lot, and it’s been hard to find time to just chill. Last week I actually took a day off from work; I was feeling sick and realized I just needed to take a day to myself. You know that feeling when you’re so busy and overwhelmed or tired that you feel physically ill? Yeah, that was me. So I took a day to listen to my body and practice some self care. Here are my 5 tips that really helped me to feel like myself again and get me back on track!
Self Care 101
So I want to start off by saying everyone is different. What makes me happy and feel relaxed might not work for someone else. That being said, the #1 most important thing is to just listen to your body, and that is where my inspiration for this post is coming from 🙂
#1 Sleep In
If you have a job that requires you to get up at the butt crack of dawn (or, ahem…kids?) it feels nice to spend a little extra time snuggled up to your pillow. Even if it’s just an extra hour, it can make a world of difference. Sleeping in a little can really set the tone for my day, because it refreshes me and makes me feel relaxed. 🙂 **Tip: Add some lavender essential oils to the other side of your pillow for extra calm and relaxation!
Shop Essential Oils:
Majestic Pure Lavender Essential Oil
InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
#2 Visit Your Local Coffee Shop
Instead of rushing through the drive-through Starbucks, take some time to go inside and sit down to have your coffee. Or better yet, take a walk to a local cafe if there’s one near you! Sit down, have your coffee and maybe a muffin (mmmm…chocolate chip is my fav!), and just enjoy yourself. For me, since I always drink black coffee with a little cream, I like to get a latte instead as a treat!
Favorite Coffee Shops in Portland:
#3 Take a Bath
There really is nothing more relaxing than a nice warm bath 🙂 Throw in some candles, a Bubble Bar from Lush, and some relaxing music or a good book and you’re golden! I love putting on Joshua Radin radio on Pandora for my baths. It’s also a great time to use that mask you’ve been eyeing!
Bath Time Essentials:
Voluspa Embossed Glass Scalloped Edge Candle in French Cade and Lavender
#4 Read a Book
While you’re in the bath perhaps? 😉 I love reading fantasy books the most. I always feel transported to a new and exciting world when I read them! Some of my favorites are the Harry Potter series (duh), The Hunger Games, and the Inheritance Cycle series.
Must-Read Books:
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
#5 Laugh
Seriously, laugh! Do something that makes you happy. Watch a comedy, play a game with your significant other, go to lunch with your girlfriends…just do something that makes your heart and soul happy (and gets you laughing!).
Things that Make Me Happy:
Taking a day off from work and focusing on myself really helped me to feel back in the swing of things. I chilled on the couch with Nora, had some yummy coffee and treats at Ava Roasteria in Beaverton, and relaxed with my hubby. It was exactly what I needed to kick whatever cold was coming my way! I hope these tips are helpful for you guys, and that they inspire you to take a day for self care when you need it!
What are your tips for taking a self care day? Let me know in the comments and have a happy and relaxing day everyone! <3
xo,
B
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Photos by: PEXELS
Love all of these! My favorite is number 1 which I never get to do anymore after having kids. Lol!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Haha I bet girl! My mom used to put me in a bouncy swing in her bedroom just so she could get a 20 minute cat nap 😉
This sounds like a perfect plan for mothers day! Maybe I’ll show this to my husband!
Oooh good idea! <3
Mexican food and my hubby (well boyfriend but future hubby) make me happy too! It’s great that you’re taking care of yourself 🙂
Ugh, I feel like Mexican food can solve 90% of problems LOL. Thanks love!
All of these things sound amazing right now! Especially taking a bath!
Yes agreed! <3
I’m so big on self care! Love that your last one is laugh!
Thank you deary! It always feels so good to laugh and puts me in a better mood!
Great tips! And I woke up totally feeling about 50%, so I may just do what you’re recommending here! Good timing 🙂
Awww yay! I’m glad it came at the right time! Have a beautiful day, love!
Sometimes you just need a day away from everything to come back feeling focused. Great tips!
For real! We don’t focus on self care enough these days!
These are all such good tips. I know I don’t get enough self care and I need to start doing more for myself.
I hope you are able to take the time soon lady, you deserve it!
Love that you took the time to write this post, I believe this so much. You are not good for others if you are not good yourself. Thank you for sharing!
I 100% agree. When you feel good about yourself and are loving yourself, it is so much easier to give love to others!
If I could pick five things to do on my perfect day, these would be them. I need to take a day off just to focus on these things and I think I’ll be ready to take on the world!
Yes, you got it girl!
Love these tips. I definitely have been sleeping in after a crazy month of traveling. I do want to get out to a local coffee shop soon!
Good, I’m glad you are getting some you time! A month of traveling sounds crazy, but exciting at the same time!
Great list! Although, I find that waking up early on my day off is much more fulfilling. If I sleep in it makes me a groggy mess all day.
Sometimes I do like to get up a little early, if it feels natural. That way you have more time to do the things you enjoy. Totally get it!
#3 is always my favorite! Especially with a lit candle, glass of wine, and epsom salt to soak in.
Yesss sounds so nice! I might have to have a bath tonight when I get home!
Love this list! Laughter is the best medicine and the best way to relax!
I agree 100%!
So important to take care of ourselves 🙂 Must make it a priority! thank you for the encouragement
Thanks for reading, lovely!
It’s been at least 3 and a half years since I’ve slept in thanks to my babies! haha I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I did!
Haha, I hope you can find the time for it soon! 😉
Love this one – I do the exact same things as well 🙂 Shared on twitter, everyone should follow these tips! X
Thanks so much Nadine, I’m so glad it was useful!