“I Make Time for Self Care”
Self care September is back, and for me, it is oh- so needed. The energy of the summer is so BIG and so BRIGHT and man do I feel the burn out. Don’t get me wrong, I love lazy summer days, patio cocktails and the sweet smell of Hawaiian Tropics sunscreen just as much as the next person. But the absence of routine, over consumption of snacks and alcohol, and lack of sleep is starting to catch up with me. I am not quite ready for soups and pumpkin spice lattes, but I AM ready for some routine and self care.
This summer for the first time in my life, I took three weeks off work. I had the full intention of practicing Yoga daily and maintaining my healthy diet. I totally failed both intentions. I spent most of my vacation lazing around, snacking on chips and indulging in more than one afternoon beer. And honestly, it was great! But I returned to the studio after that vacation feeling bloated, tired, dehydrated and achy. My eczema started to flare up, my face was breaking out, my sleep patterns were growing inconsistent, my gut was unhappy and my whole body was asking – no screaming – for self care.
When on holiday, I do think it’s important to release routine, and let yourself rest. For me, this always gives me an opportunity to miss my self care practice. It gives me a chance to remember why I do what I do. Why I drink water and eat salad and practice yoga and prioritize sleep. It gives me a chance to miss the mundane, and even crave it.
This month, let’s all indulge in self care. Let’s drink the green juice and meditate daily and get 8 hours of sleep every night. I’m ready for it. Who’s with me?
Some ideas for a self care practice this September:
- Light a candle in the morning, instead of grabbing your phone.
- Say “no” to extra events and invites so you have more down time.
- Read a book, instead of watching TV.
- Goto bed earlier. Sleep in later. Commit to 8 hours every night.
- Cook a nutritious meal for yourself with lots of veggies.
- Drink more water every day.
- Practice yoga daily.
Written by Prestonne Sehn
Photo captured by Saige Carlson at our yearly Loon Lake Women’s Retreat