Finding some me-time can be challenging when you’re stuck balancing your career, social life, and personal life. We pack our schedules with so many responsibilities that we feel exhausted and socially burnt out.
And on the days I’m feeling unmotivated, frustrated, or overwhelmed, getting out of that slump is definitely a feat. And though there is no reset button, here are some practices that I like to do to rest and reconnect with myself, my rituals and routines that bring me peace.
Make time for a slow morning
While the idea of waking up slowly to birds singing, and enjoying a delicious breakfast with a view sounds like an absolute dream. Slow mornings are about starting your day at a slower pace and allowing yourself to relax and let go of the usual rush and busyness that often fills the first few hours of the day. I must admit there is something truly special about being able to sit down leisurely while sipping on your coffee without the worry of a hectic day ahead. I take this as an opportunity to catch my breath and make time for things to put me in a good mood for the rest of the day. But depending on how you like to destress, slow mornings can come in different forms– whether it’s making time to cook a healthy breakfast, sitting down and reading a good book, listening to your favorite playlist, practicing yoga, or meditating.
Reorganizing my space
I don’t know about you, but there’s something incredibly unsettling about an untidy space. Whether you are aware of it or not, the physical space in which you live and spend a lot of time in greatly affects one’s mood. Our mind is influenced by the environment we’re in, so it’s important to keep our space tidy, organized, and clean. So a little space refresh just to keep things clutter-free goes a long way.
Spend an afternoon gardening
Thanks to the pandemic, I have discovered that I have a green thumb. With nothing to do in the house during the lockdown, I have found that gardening is more than just a pleasant way to pass an afternoon. Spending more time with my plant babies and giving them more TLC than usual gives me a sense of calm and a boost of dopamine—your plant babies will love you more for it too. So getting down and dirty, repotting, and trimming sounds like a leisurely afternoon to me.
Treating myself to a long bath routine
While my normal routine usually consists of quickly showering, getting ready and dressed, and rushing out of the house, on days when my body needs a little more love and attention I like to take long baths. Think of it like an at-home spa day; an extensive self-care routine.
First, I put on a hair mask for maximum soaking time. My favorite is the Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector Treatment. This mask is perfect for dry and color-treated hair because of its moisturizing power that adds shine and smoothens hair. Added bonus is the instant results!
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Next, I jump in the shower to scrub and shave. While I usually don’t have time to exfoliate and do a body scrub, I use this time to properly prep my skin for shaving and moisturizing. I like to use the Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Body Scrub. This scrub is free from plastic microbeads and its packaging keeps the product sanitary. There’s nothing I hate more than having to dip my hands in a tub again and again. Plus, the sunflower oil ensures that I am moisturized and ready for shaving.
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After shaving, the last step in my shower routine is covering myself in lotion. Experts advise that the best time to do this is right after showering when your skin is still a little damp to lock in the moisture.
A spa day
On days when I can spoil myself even more, I like to go the extra mile and treat myself to a spa day. Depending on my mood that can either be going to the nail salon, getting a massage, or one of my recent favorite activities, getting a facial. I have found two that I enjoy the most depending on what my skin needs.
For those days when my skin isn’t looking the best, good cleansing and purging are what it needs. Glow Skin Clinic offers the ZO Acne + Oil Control Facial that helps decongests pores, reduces breakouts, and controls oil. This treatment includes cleaning where they prick and squeeze out all the build-up dirt to deep clean the skin. Then, you are treated to an amazing head massage. After the treatment, you are rewarded with a clearer-looking complexion and soft and supple skin.
And on days when I’m looking for something more moisturizing and refreshing. I would go for a Korean facial. A recent discovery of mine, the Korean facial is a multi-step facial that focuses on different techniques to absorb the skincare into one’s skin and does not include pricking. One World Skin & Wellness offers different treatments depending on your targeted results. A personal favorite is the Glow All You Want facial which refreshes and rejuvenates the skin. I recommend adding the Alma Q Laser treatment to improve the skin texture.
Making a home-cooked meal
My partner and I enjoy cooking together more than anything. Admittedly I may not be the best cook, so thankfully I have him for that. Some days we take on a harder recipe and spend all day in the kitchen and other days we decide on a slower-paced and easier one. But no matter which we choose preparing a meal with a glass of wine or two is our favorite way to spend time with each other while being fully present and enjoying our time together meaningfully.