Self-Care Essentials

This is your starter pack to feeling good from the inside out.

Do you ever feel like you can't catch up? Like you're constantly spreading yourself too thin to stay on top of your daily tasks while also trying to manage your personal desires like getting your nails done? If you're someone who works 9-5, goes to school, has children, or do anything that draws you away from yourself, it can be extremely difficult to find time for the little things you do to feel refreshed. I am here to tell you that you can find this balance by implementing small changes and creating new habits everyday.

Be committed to yourself. Don't bail on your personal goals to meet the goals of others. Start by identifying the time in your day where you have the most flexibility and alone time. For me, this is at night anytime after 6:00 PM. Every night I make time for my skincare routine and I do this religiously where I give myself one full hour of total relaxation to keep up with my healthy skin. During this time I will catch up on some of my favorite YouTube channels or listen to an audible book.

Going beyond time chunking, you can develop small significant habits that promote total wellness. For example, taking your vitamins in the morning is one habit that you can easily implement by setting a quick reminder on your phone. I have one on my phone set for every day, every 12 hours, just in case I forget to take them in the morning.

Understanding that self-care is important is just the beginning. Listening to your body and doing things that make you personally feel good is something you will learn the more you experiment with different elements of self-care. Now there are so many "self-help" wellness diets, detox teas, and fads that will suck you in through this idea of self-care, I am not saying to buy into these. What I am saying is, identify what areas of self-care you enjoy most and go from there. Is working out and being physically fit your version? Maybe it's meditating daily or taking a nap. Self-care can be skincare or even doing your makeup daily. Self-care can be stimulating your brain and learning something you're interested in. This idea comes in so many shapes and sizes. Therefore, I want to share with you all of things that help me achieve total mind and body self-satisfaction.

1. Facial Steamer: For $19 you can give yourself an at home facial every night!

2. Bliss Mint Chip Face Mask: the best cooling, soothing mask that will make you feel like you just got a facial.

3. Jade Roller: I love using this to promote cell regeneration and to de-puff my skin. I use this after I apply my serum and it really works it into the skin.

4. Tarte 911 Under Eye Packs: #1 eye packs that really improve the look of dark circles and puffiness.

5. LED Nail Lamp: For me, I spend a lot of time on my nails as one of my self-care activities. I love doing my on gel nails because it'c cost effective and they last just as long as if I got them done at the salon. I've linked the LED Lamp that I use in a set that I bought five years ago, and I still have it. You can buy gel polishes at some drugstores, Ulta, Target, & Sally Beauty Supply.

6. Vitamins D3, Amla Plus, Magnesium, Turmeric, & Collagen Supplements: These are vitamins and supplements that I take daily that I've found make me feel energized and healthy.

7. Self-Help Books by Rachel Hollis: Rachel Hollis has become one of my favorite authors because she is so inspiring and positive. She gives great advice on creating a more productive lifestyle for yourself. 'Girl Stop Apologizing' speaks to women about being more confident and outgrowing this idea that we strive to please others over ourselves and the psychology around that. This is a great self-care book for women to improve your mindset.

8. EvilQueen Candles: my favorite way to unwind is with my favorite scented candles. These are soy wax candles with creative names and the best scents out there!

9. Yoga with Adriene YouTube Channel: if you're looking to do yoga for free at home and get a really good workout, subscribe to this channel! It's nice to take a break from going to the gym to dedicate time to a workout at home where you can be in solitude.

10. Gratitude Journal: writing down what you're grateful for is a great way to stay in tune with yourself and reflect on all the positive things you have in your life.

♥ Alyssa