Self Care. A concept that is so easy, yet so hard to do. Why is it so hard to take care of ourselves? I know I’m horrible at doing this and I experience burn out so quickly and easily. At times, we always try our best to make sure everyone else is taken care of but we always seem to take care of the most important person…OURSELVES! I’ve heard this terminology in my last years of Undergraduate career and all throughout Graduate school.  For some reason, I never took it seriously until I was at my breaking point during finals week this past December. I had 12 paged papers, 50 paged assignments, group presentations, individuals presentations all due the same week (I’m not even exaggerating) and I was a walking zombie. I was so stressed about doing well, I didn’t even bother doing my Hair and makeup, eating at times, sleeping and it took a toll on me in various ways.

Self Care can Consist of many things. It can consist of taking an inventory of your life and removing all the toxic things and people in your life. I did this by deleting contacts and message threads from my devices. It can consist of taking a break from negative people in your life and not engaging on social media. It can consist of listening to your favorite music and vibing to your favorite 90s slow jams. It can consist of taking some time out to cry, scream, or be angry. My all-time favorite is doing your hair and makeup or getting my nails done ( If I look good, I feel good).  Another thing I enjoy doing it getting some 3-Wick candles from Bath and Body Works or Yankee Candle and let the scents illuminate my room and relax by doing absolutely nothing.

All in all, self-care is finding different ways to Love yourself.  Often times we forget to do this. So here is a list that I came up with to help you achieve Self-Care.

~ Ways to Love Yourself ~

1.Take a bath

2. Go for a Walk
3. Buy yourself some flowers
4. Go to the park and enjoy nature
5. Indulge in your favorite treat
6. Put on an uplifting song and dance around
7. Read a book or magazine you like
8. Curl up with a hot cup of something
9. Get a manicure or pedicure
10. Get a massage
11. Stretch
12. Cook a new dish
13. Watch a good movie
14. Meet up with a friend
15. Spend time with your pets
16. Write an entry in your journal about how awesome you are
17. Do something artistic
18. Clean your environment
19. Take yourself out on a date
20. Find something to be thankful for
21. Wear comfortable clothing
22. Express yourself
23. Don’t put yourself down
24. RELAX
25. HAVE FUN
26. Be patient with yourself
27. Accept your flaws
28. Trust & forgive yourself
29. Appreciate your body
30. Get moving
31. Love Books or Poetry on Self Love or Empowerment

“If you look good, you feel good” –Take a nice hot shower, pamper yourself from head to toe, do your hair and makeup