MY NEW 7-PART SELF-CARE ROUTINE

I don't know why it has taken me so long to actually put myself first. The truth is that, if you're a mess, you can't trust that you'll be able to pull yourself together to handle someone else's mess. Mess is very broad. If you don't have yourself somewhat together, you can't have it together at a job, in a relationship, or in your business.

So, I've come up with a self-care routine that will benefit me in 2019 and help me to live my best life! I've done many of these already, but I plan on adding some of them to my routine still. Check out my self-care routine.

1: LEAVE WORK AT YOUR WORK DESK

I recently worked with a person who works in a department across campus. She told me that she doesn't sync her email address for work on her phone because it promotes a good work-life balance. I, unfortunately, cannot completely disconnect since I am partially in control of my workplace's social media. However, when I clock out, I'm no longer getting paid. I love my job, but it is important for me and my mental health to leave work at work and be off the clock when I'm not getting paid to work!

You can always do like my coworker did and disconnect your email account from your phone. You can also make a habit of letting things go to voicemail or let emails go unanswered. I still need to work on this, especially on sick and vacation days. However, I'm happy to do what I can to limit exposure to stress outside of the work day/work week.

2: TAKING CARE OF MY FACE

Skincare has become a top priority for me. I have really dry skin. When you have really dry skin on your face, it shows! Makeup doesn't apply nicely, and every line on your face is on display. As of yet, I've skipped out on the makeup wipes and have been using Tarte's Star Factor Cleansing Face Brush from the Sugar Rush collection. I use the Squeezy Clean facewash from the same collection. After that, I use Neutrogena's Hydroboost with the same brush. After that, I pat dry and use an old (clean) makeup brush to apply Clean and Clear face moisturizer.

​About two or three times a week, I use a sheet mask in the mornings. I feel like they are a great way to kick off the day, and they keep my skin feeling soft and clean all day! I find that all of this together keeps breakouts to a minimum and keeps my face feeling great!

3: BODYWASH AND LOTION

One of the main things that I've noticed is just how drying Bath and Body Works products are. I've decided to ditch these highly-scented body soaps for Dove's bodywash. I have one that is meant for dry skin. It does WONDERS!

​I do like the Stress Relief lotion from Bath and Body Works, and I use that every time I come out of the shower, and every morning before I get ready. It helps keep my skin smooth and moisturized. 

4: MAKING A SCHEDULE

I'm still working on this, but I really want to get in to really scheduling out my time. I schedule out my time at work and on the weekends when I visit family or friends. Why not schedule time when I get home to get some stuff done? I feel like this could really help me keep up with housework as well as keep up with blogging and my freelance work. However, I'm still trying to get to this. It is difficult to push myself to do something when I go to work and come home with virtually no energy. But, I'm still trying. I really think this would help!

5: MAKING TIME FOR EXERCISE

Exercise is really important. I don't ever want to be a long-distance runner or anything, but I do want to at least get my body in better shape for my health. My two main goals are to try yoga and take my dog, Maisel, on some walks. I have a blogger/YouTube friend who suggested a YouTube channel with guided yoga walkthroughs. I have a yoga mat, I just need to schedule out time to do this! Walking my dog will be somewhat easy. It will give both of us a chance to get some fresh air and some exercise away from the house!

6: STAYING AWAY FROM PERSONAL DRAMA

As a female living in the South, I know a thing or two about drama. I've experienced it, and I've grown from it. I really like to vent about drama, and I try to do it with the people I love because I know they aren't as bothered by it as others. However, I know that doing that too much can cause resentment.

This may sound super weird, but I sometimes turn on my phone camera and vent or talk about my plans for the day. Then, I delete the video!

​There's just something about venting to an audience that your brain thinks is listening! You don't feel crazy for talking to yourself, but you feel better from venting.

7: DO SOMETHING NICE FOR YOURSELF

I've been getting in to this more lately than I used to. I used to never buy anything for myself. No makeup, no clothes, etc. Lately, though, I've been doing more for myself. Some people may think it is selfish, and there is definitely a point where it can get to that. However, I see no issue in giving yourself $50 to use in whatever way you want. Me personally, I love going in to Forever21 or Ulta and purchasing something new to wear or try! I've also been getting the pedicure/manicure bug as of late, and I think I'm going to have to go get one of those soon! It's OK to be nice to yourself if your budget allows!

CONCLUSION

That's it! Those are the five things that I'm doing to take better care of myself. I need some more self-care tips! Let me know what you do to take care of yourself in the comments below!