© 2023 Rachel L. Shumate | All rights reserved.
When I was a new mom, I was once told that (at least twice a week) I should soak in a luxurious bath with an assortment of “ingredients” that made the whole thing sound more like a soup than a bubble bath. I remember being absolutely incredulous – because frankly, I was just thrilled about having been able to take a shower that day. (Seriously…) Various other self-care suggestions were given to me throughout that utterly exhausting phase of my life. And every time, I thought to myself, “Who in the hell has time for that?!” I suppose I should have made time for myself. How (you might desperately want to know)? I have no effing idea… But truth be told, I probably would have been in a better mental state if I’d found a babysitter and took care of myself (or took a nap) now and then.
Self-care seems to be trending lately. I suspect it’s because women are so damn tired, mentally and physically, that we finally realized we need to start taking better care of ourselves. Personally, I think this is great. Heaven knows it would do us all some good if we normalized rest and rejuvenation. Can we please stop feeling guilty about taking time for ourselves? (Alright, when I say “we,” I also mean “me.”)
I admit that I didn’t really start getting into the whole self-care racket until I was forced to realize I was dangerously close to my breaking point. I used to think of self-care as a bunch of foo-foo crap that didn’t do much for your actual health. I was all sorts of wrong. (Hi. My name’s Rachel, and I’m a workaholic…) There are many types of self-care, and all sorts of activities that boost your mental and/or physical health. And as it turns out, pedicures are positively ahhhh-mazing. Who cares about fancy toes; bring on that foot massage!
So today, I’m here to cheer you on and encourage you to take a moment (or day) just for yourself. Or hell, go all out and take a mini vacation! I’m willing to bet you need a break… If you have twinges of guilt about it, remember that you need to take care of yourself before you can properly take care of anyone, or anything, else. Truly, it’s better for you and everyone else too!
Below, I’ve listed a few self-care ideas if you need a little inspiration, as well as the recipe for my favorite bath bombs (that will not have you feeling like you’re stewing in something you might eat for dinner).
Now, go on… do something just for you that makes your heart happy.
Self-Care Ideas:
- Go outside
- Enjoy a hobby
- Start saving/budgeting
- Take a walk
- Read a book
- Connect with a friend
- Dance/listen to music
- Journal
- Create/enforce boundaries
- Do some yoga
- Organize your space
- Take a relaxing bath
- Use positive affirmations
- Take a nap
- Turn off social media
- Ask for help
- Learn something new
- Meditate
- Treat yourself
Bath Bomb Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 3/4 cup Epson salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon witch hazel
Directions:
First, line a baking sheet with wax paper. Next, in large bowl, mix all of the ingredients together with a spoon, or your hands. Using half an Easter egg (or bath bomb mold), fill to the top and pack the mixture in firmly. Then, turn the filled mold upside-down on the lined baking sheet and gently squeeze until the formed bath bomb comes out. Repeat until you run out of your mixture. Recipe makes approximately 16 bath bombs. Let dry overnight. Use one or two at a time in your bath and enjoy!
(Warning: the coconut oil may make your tub a bit slippery, so please use caution, and some non-slip tub stickers.)
🙂
