'Self care' has been a content buzzword for quite some time, our minds automatically picturing a face mask and bubble bath and a good book. But it's a lot more than just surface level, the act of self care being one of "protecting one's own well-being & happiness"- which means taking care of yourself from the inside out.

Which means that style actually plays a part in your self care as well.

Hear me out.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF

If you’re a fellow introvert, I’m sure you’re well acquainted with alone time. It’s how we recharge, getting the best version of ourselves ready for the world. 

TWELVE WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF LOVE TODAY

Ah, valentine's day. The holiday you either love or loathe. I don't go out of my way to hate on it, but I'm not the biggest fan. I think it's important to show love every single day of the year, but if we're gonna have a holiday for it, I guess one with pretty pink things & all the chocolate you could want isn't the worst way to do it. 

It's important, in a way, because it reminds me the value of self-love, the value in doing things because you love them & practicing self care. The benefits of this are ever-important: higher self esteem, better mental clarity, & less stress, to name a few.

There are so many simple ways to practice self love today, or any day of the year: (I'm still the worst at segues WOW. In other words, let's get on with the list)  

1// Eat a cupcake. You deserve it.

2// Practice a yoga routine.

3//  Rosé away.

4// Start that new netflix show you've been meaning to watch. (I've seen a couple episodes of black mirror & now I want to binge ALL OF THEM. creepy AF)

5// Make a gratitude list. Write down everything you can think of that you're grateful for. I do this every day in my bullet journal & it keeps things in perspective. 

6// Make a vision board & put it somewhere you can see it everyday.

7// Meditate.

8// Wear your most favorite outfit, the one that makes you feel like you're in one of those music videos. Even if it's just to the grocery store.

9// Turn your phone off or on Do Not Disturb for even just TWO HOURS. Read your favorite book. Bake something yummy. Don't sneak a look at instagram.

10// Go exploring in your city.

11// Two words: Red. Lipstick.

12// Light your favorite candle, grab your best bath bomb, & draw yourself the most lush little bath.

Thoughts on valentine's day? 

xo,

kae

SOME THOUGHTS ON SELF CARE

It's currently 9:30 am. I'm at starbucks (typical) nursing a decaf (not as typical-- who am I??) mocha & trying to get my stuff together, as they say. Because coffee may not solve all your problems, but it sure does help.

I haven't been the kindest to myself these past few days, & no amount of bubble baths & coffee & yoga can change that. Sure, it can help with the anxiety & overwhelming feeling that you're going to die any second, but if you're not kind to yourself through the hard times, none of the self care & pretty bath bombs matter.

Self care isn't just a list of things to do when you're feeling sad or a well-typed out pinterest quote. Sometimes it's changing your lifestyle & how you react to the lemons life gives you. There's a post out there on tumblr somewhere that's like 'Do you think God ever gets sad when you don't love yourself? Like, I worked so hard on you..' WOW, real.

So, self care.

Sometimes self care is turning off your phone, tuning out social media, and going off the grid for a couple days. Sometimes self care is stalking the social media of strong women you admire, getting inspired more by the minute.

Sometimes it's making yourself get out of bed & face the day.

It's telling yourself positive things even if you barely believe them.

It's asking a friend how they are & truly listening, it's remembering to see the beauty, it's living.

Outwardly you can be the strongest person in the world, seemingly living your best life, but if you don't feel it inside, & aren't kind to yourself, it won't matter in the end. Eventually the hatred will run you down.

Treat yourself like your closest friend. We would NEVER tell our friends half the stuff we tell ourselves. Be that best friend to yourself.

Of course, don't discount fizzy baths & face masks & rose, THEY WORK WONDERS. But remember to tell yourself having bad days is okay, it doesn't make you a bad person. & don't tell yourself anything you wouldn't tell your bestie.

xo,

kae

THE PERFECT BUBBLE BATH

Up until a month or so ago, I hadn't had a bubble bath in the entirety on my teenage or adult life. I KNOW. But I found a bubble bath that doesn't hurt my eczema prone skin (not sponsored, just LOVE honest brand) & ever since I've been bubbling it up. 
SO, what makes a perfect bath? INGREDIENTS: 

Some people read in the bath but I'm more of a netflix-er. Lately it's been the fosters or gilmore girls. I'll watch an episode while my target dollar-spot candle burns & use this scrub. It's kind of heaven. 
Afterwards I'll moisturize with some soothing body lotion for optimal relaxation & by this point I'm usually so relaxed that all my anxieties have magically faded away. ....... for about five minutes, at least. 
I'm still getting the logistics down but for the most part I think I've found kind of the perfect bubble bath recipe. What's yours?
xo,

Self care tips for the rough days

Taking care of yourself is important, and mental care is no different. I recommend taking one day a week and declaring it a "you day," but doing things to make you feel better on the particularly tough days is important as well. If you're not quite sure where to start, these are some of my favorite self care methods.

Set the mood. No, not that kind of setting the mood. When you're feeling blah, set things up that can make your mood lighter. Light your favorite candles, set up the record player, {or whatever you listen to music on} anything that makes your heart a little bit happier.

Paint your nails. I don't know what it is about the process of painting your nails, but it's always therapeutic to me. Grab a color that you love and paint away.

Downward dog it out. There are all kinds of studies out there that show yoga is good for your mental health, and at least for me, it's very true. The concentration on the breath/ movement flow helps to soothe your mind and can also make you less anxious. If you're new to the yoga thing, there are tons of dvds and youtube videos that can help get you going. 

Watch a comfort show. When I watch Gilmore Girls, it feels like home. Cheesy? Yes. But also true. It's like I'm right there in Stars Hollow and it's the most comforting feeling. What show makes you feel that way? Watch it.

Get creative. If you're a writer, write. If you're an artist, make your art. Whatever you like to do creatively is a great source of inspiration and positive vibes.

Remember that the bad days are temporary. Rough times are going to happen and it's okay. It's not a forever thing.

Take care of yourself. You matter. What do you like to do for self care?