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and creating versatile products that do even #MoreForYou.
My friends, we seriously need a national self-care week. I know they have a week like this in the UK, but I haven’t heard of anything similar here in the US (fill me in if you know of something). Nonetheless, I took a real good look at myself in the mirror in my birthday suit not too long ago and I wasn’t happy with what I saw. In that moment, I realized I’d put a halt on self care. I haven’t been sleeping well, eating well or just taking care of myself, in general.
I decided that I needed to make changes by diligently and consistently focusing on just four things. Four big things, mind you, so this won’t be easy. But it’s beyond necessary. Here’s the plan:
Eat Real Food
I’ve been gaining weight lately and I blame it on the travel. In addition to not eating well, I’ve been craving sugar at every turn. With that said, a sugar detox is in order, then a focus on eating real, wholesome food again, especially when on the road, is key. So, I’ve started to eat lots of salads, baked chicken, veggies and nuts. It’s hard. But I know it’ll be worth it in the long run. My family and I are trying to get back to following the guidelines found via the 100 Days of Real Food website. There’s a neat graphic there that really breaks down the definition of real food. Again, it’s not easy but it’s so worth it, and I/we know it’ll make a difference in how we live and feel.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
I’m not drinking enough water. It’s easy to say that I need coffee or a soda in order to give me a boost while I’m on the go. The office I work in is always stocked with soda for our taking, and I’ve found it incredibly hard to resist. I’m also taking iron pills 2-3 times per day for my anemia and have had to buy juice again for the house to take along with them. The coffee, soda, juice is nothing but empty calories, folks, and I know better. I’m working on having a bit more discipline. So coffee during the work week (w/ creamer only), then nothing but water, water and more water!
Moisturize/Oil
My face has been breaking out, my stretch marks appear to be more defined, and my legs and skin have been incredibly dry. I know for a fact that it all stems from a lack of moisturizing and oiling my skin, and I know drinking more water will help with this as well. Since Madison has such sensitive skin (she can have an outbreak just by something I have on), I tend to use products that can be used by the both of us. Johnson’s products are made with adults in mind too, so it’s been a great option for me. The hubs has been using baby oil on his skin for years so I’m not sure why it didn’t occur to me to try out Johnson’s Baby Gel on my legs and feet sooner to combat what often feels like chronic dryness, especially with fall/winter approaching.
Extra Tip: I use Johnson’s Baby Powder to keep certain, uh, private areas dry, like that space between my bosom, and also in my shoes when I’m going sock-less.
Exercise – Trying Yoga!
Laziness has been my middle name as of late. At the same time, I have issues with my knees so I can’t afford to do a lot of high impact exercises. I’ve been going back and forth about the best exercise for my body and have decided to give yoga a try. I’m currently using a site called, YogaGlo, and I’ve quickly come to realize that yoga is not for the faint of heart. It’s been tough and I’ve got soreness to prove it. But, I’m excited about it and I look forward to seeing the results and benefits of yoga manifest.
Ultimately, taking good care of yourself is critical. Oftentimes, we put everything and everyone before our own needs not realizing that we’re better, more giving people when we take the time to take care of ourselves. I hope you’ll take the time to be more aware of where you’re falling short in the self care department, and and actually do something to make changes in those areas. May we all be consistent in our efforts!
I was selected for this opportunity through Collectively and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Love yourself,
I may not always love my body, but I have accepted its with me forever, and it can do some amazing things! Its so important to take care of it – you're right!
Self care is do important. I started working toward getting healthy in May, and I'm still sticking with the plan .I feel better, my blood pressure is down, and my clothes fit again.
Love this post! I was drawn to it because I have been meaning to write a blog post about self-care! It's so critical.
All great tips I will definitely try!
Yes!! I've had a rude awakening about self care as well. I need more sleep, My pouch has gotten way out of control now, and water is always an issue.
I'm going to start cutting back on the "bad foods" and exercise using the Nike+ training club
I downloaded a water app and I was meeting my goal for like the first 2 weeks, then I started to slack off. I've got to recommit! It's important for my body and my hair!
And Chris and I also use baby oil. After showering we put the oil on our wet skin and pat dry. I might get the gel and try it to see how the two methods compare!!
Great post and great goals. Now to stick to them!!