I’m pretty much obsessed with the term “self-care”. I love how it’s used to justify everything from on Netflix to consuming a bottle of wine to dragging ourselves out of bed at an ungodly hour to squeeze in a workout. Self-care has become super trendy and I think that’s fabulous. Good self-care has long been overlooked and I think that is because that taking good care of ourselves can feel like a selfish indulgence when in reality it is an absolute necessity.

What the hell is “self-care” anyway? Self-care is a deliberate act that is done for the purpose of taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health. Self- care is about empowerment and rejuvenation to safeguard your well-being and maintain a positive relationship with yourself. A regular self-care practice will boost your confidence and self-esteem and keep you motivated so you can keep crushing your goals.

I think the definition and practice of self-care has been watered down and has become synonymous with face masks and moisturizer. While I adore a good face make and moisturizing is practically my religion, I think that it’s time for us to really think about what it truly means to practice self-care and get back to its roots so that we can incorporate an intentional practice to care for our mind, body, and soul.

Self-care shouldn’t be cost prohibitive. I love a spa day, a mani/pedi and could desperately use a massage but these are luxuries while self-care is a necessity. Here’s some quick tips on how begin to make proper self-care a part of your daily life.

Good self-care includes:

• go to the doctor for regular check-ups
• make good/healthy choices
• stand up for yourself
• take time outs when you need
• express thoughts and feelings
• cut those toxic people our of your life
• while we’re at it, unfollow/unfriend social media account that don’t serve you
• go on some adventures
• get to know your creative side
• work on making your dreams come true
• feel all your feelings
• work out
• take the vacation you’ve been putting off
• or plan a relaxing stayation
• take time to work on your personal development
• do the best that you can today even if that means lounging in your sweat pants
• process events that have the potential to be traumatic
• get enough sleep
• meditate
• practice gratitude
• spend time with the people that you love
• say “no” when you want to
• laugh
• take your lunch break