Self Care September

September is national Self Care Awareness month... who knew? 

I know we are all guilty of not practicing enough self care. Man, oh, man am I guilty! Stress, life, kids, farm, work... it all plays a toll on the body and I for one can say that I am feeling the effects of the weight of the world. What do you do in this situation? 

Self Care is more than a want, it is a need. For mental health. For physical health. As a society, we place a lot of pressure and stress on ourselves. From demands at home and work to the ever growing stress of keeping up with the Joneses with their picture perfect Instagram and Facebook posts, we are constantly trying to push ourselves to do more... to be more. And at what cost? 

Over the past week or so, there have been a lot of events that have really hit home. From a friend losing her husband in a freak accident to another who had a stroke, it has really made me sit back and think "am I really taking care of myself?"  The answer was a loud and clear, NO! As someone who is in the business of taking care of others and doing my best to make them feel their best, I have been neglecting myself. I can see and feel it taking a toll. So what is the solution?  SELF CARE!

Self care can be as simple as going out for coffee with a friend, locking the bathroom door and taking a long bath (we have great products for that), or going for a walk. Of course, there are other great options such as setting up an appointment with your massage therapist or heading out for a relaxing weekend away. Whatever it takes to recharge your batteries and be your best, that is what you need to do. Unplug and unwind. As tough as it is, try to turn off your phone for a few hours and get out in nature. Take the dog for a walk or play hide and seek with your kids. Whatever it takes, take care of yourself. Like the saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup. Take the time to refill your cup. Life is too short to take the simple things for granted. 

Believer me, I get it... I get that taking time to do things for your self brings guilt, especially if you have a partner and/or kids. I get that money may be tight. I get that your schedule is jam packed full from the moment you drag your weary body out of the bed in the morning until you collapse from exhaustion at the end of the day. I totally get it! You are not alone, mama! Somewhere in that busy day, give yourself 5 minutes. Even if it is sneaking away into the bathroom or staying in the car just a few moments more when you are alone. Sit quietly, and focus on your breathing. Close your eyes. Breathe in from deep in your stomach and exhale through your nose. Concentrate on your breathing, even if for just 60 or 90 seconds. It's going to be ok. You are amazing! You are beautiful! Your family and friends love and adore you! You just need to remember to love and adore yourself. 

Fill your cup, even if it is one drop at a time. Just don't forget to fill it. 

<3 Theresa