These Activities Prove Self-Care Is About So Much More Than Face Masking
We're not going to discount the wonders a good face mask or a long bath can have for a person, but with "self-care" becoming so popular, it can be easy to begin to think what the beauty market would likely prefer you believe — that it can only be achieved with some new product that's not already in your overflowing makeup cabinet. But, what we have to remember is ... that's just not the case.
Sure, a part of self-care is pampering yourself and taking the time to indulge in the relaxing experiences that manicures, face masks and more can bring. But, if you mistake these for "fix-alls" or feel like one face mask should solve all of your problems — that's where the whole idea of this skincare and beauty-based idea of self-care can start to get tricky.
Because self-care is exactly what it sounds like. Taking care of yourself. And that can come in so many more versions than just trying a new skincare product. Although — we do love any excuse to do that, too.
But, things such as dedicated time to practice yoga, keep a gratitude journal and get a full night of sleep can be ways to care for yourself, too. However, these aren't necessarily discussed as openly or packaged as "ways to self-care," necessarily. Don't forget, though, they totally should be!
Let this serve as a friendly reminder that there are so many ways you can take care of yourself, and they don't have to cost you a dime, won't always be fun at the time, but as long as they're promoting your restoration and more importantly — GROWTH — that's what this whole "self-care" movement is really all about!
Here are just some of the ways you can tend to yourself:
1. Exercising
Whether you're practicing yoga, going for a run or any other form of exercise, you're working to de-stress, boost endorphins and really do your body some good. Especially if you approach exercise from a non-judgmental place (as in you're not working out because you think you're "fat" or your body isn't good as is), you'll unlock the tools to declutter your mind and appreciate your strength and your body a little more than before. In doing so, you're taking care of your current self and your future self, too.
2. Journaling
We've already written about the joys keeping a gratitude journal has brought to our lives, but really any kind of journaling can be a great way to get out your feelings, unleash your creativity, give yourself goals and more to ensure you're tending to the areas that need a little extra love and care from you.
3. Enjoying Delicious Foods
We don't know about you — but we're honestly our happiest selves when we're eating. Whether you're treating yourself to a guilt-free dessert or eating hearty vegetables and more, make sure you're feeding your soul when you sit down to a meal and truly enjoy what you put in to your body.
4. Trying Something New
Whether you're going on a solo vacation or trying a new restaurant, putting yourself outside of your comfort zone can really push you to grow in ways you never thought possible. And it's those kind of experiences that are memorable and teach us a lot about ourselves. The more we discover about ourselves — the more there is to love and celebrate, after all.
5. Challenging Yourself
You'll reach heights you never thought imaginable if you can remember to challenge yourself from time to time. Whether it's learning a new language, training for a marathon or whatever event you're down to tackle, you'll grown leaps and bounds in the process. Then, practice becomes an act of self-care, and you know what they say, after all — practice makes perfect.
What are some other ways you practice self-care? If it typically involves bubble baths and glasses of rose, you're not alone — and we're totally here for that level of self-love, too. But, what else makes you thrive? Make sure you do more of that the next time you're in the mood for a good face mask, too.
Perhaps sprucing up your home for spring could be your next self-care activity? Oh, and what about organizing? We've got some tips for how to do that, too.
—Labels and Lacquer girls
Images: Photo by Allie Smith on Unsplash (1); Photo by Dane Wetton on Unsplash (1); Wix (4)