“Self care” is a buzzword that people toss around a lot these days—and for good reason. While it’s never easy to find “me” time, everything feels different when I do. I am happier, I’m more focused, I’m a better mom, a better friend and I’m a better wife. To me, “self-care” equals self-worth. Investing in ourselves builds self-esteem and confidence—and it doesn’t have to be as time-consuming as we think. Small, simple steps each day can lead to surprisingly big changes in the way we feel. Here are my favorite, affordable ways to practice self-care.
What does self-care look like to you?
- Getting Lit: I share my monthly Lit Lists with you guys because reading has always been a big part of my life and I try to read for at least 30 minutes a day. Tip: If you don’t think you have the time, try reaching for a book the next time you’re itching for your smartphone. (I was surprised by how much more reading time I had when I stopped religiously scrolling my social media feeds!) Whether you’re reading for an escape or a way to stay informed, flipping through the pages of a book always feels like a treat.
- Quick Meditations: I use meditation apps to guide me through mindfulness exercises in the morning or right before I go to bed. It’s a great way to stop and be in the present for a couple of minutes—tricky to do when there are three little ones running around—and I’m always amazed by what a difference 10 mindful minutes can make.
- Breaking a Sweat: I love that exercising helps me clear my mind and we’re really lucky here in Austin to have lots of workout options—from the hottest cycling studios to a new surfing program I’ve been dying to try. But juggling three kids has also forced me to get a little more creative with my fitness routines. So while some mornings I make it to the gym for a class that kicks my ass, other days my “workout” consists of a brisk walk in the neighborhood or chasing after the kids on our bikes, and that’s okay too.
- Beauty Pick-Me-Ups: Mom life can really take a toll on my hair. I don’t have a lot of time to spend on a daily beauty routine, so finding good products is key. So when Pantene approached me about their 14 Day Challenge I decided to give it a go. Two weeks later, I have to admit that I’m impressed. Since I started using Pantene’s Repair & Protect Shampoo and Conditioner, my locks feel shiner, stronger and healthier than they’ve ever been since having kids. And really, is there anything better than a great hair day??? When my hair looks good, it makes me feel like I’m on my A-game and ready to on the world – even if I’ve got Odette’s morning oatmeal all over my shirt…Take the Pantene 14 Day Challenge for yourself – learn more here.
- Tea Time: The simple act of making a cup of tea can feel incredibly comforting. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I stop for a minute to brew some green tea with lemon and ginger. The tea has detoxifying, cleansing and digestive benefits—and sitting down to sip it always makes me feel like I’ve done something good for myself.
This content is sponsored by Pantene. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
8 Comments
michaela
Love reading your blog gen ? You have taught me to look at my life and I am slowly changing alot of things for the better. It is all down to reading your insta posts or your advice on your blog, you are truly a ✨ love to ypur and your beaitiful family.
Allie
Honestly, seeing that you’ve uploaded a new blog post picks me up. Even if I’m having a really good day, it makes me feel so much better. I’m trying to find some sort of normal in my currently imploding world and reading what wisdom you have to share with the rest of us is always a massive help. Thank you so much for sharing what you do. You truely are a treasure!
Cindy
Great tips! I think each is important pieces to self care (though, i admit, i dont exercise nearly as often as I should) but meditation is amazing! As is reading! I just totes need some book ideas. ??
JESSICA LOZANO
Hi Gen, thank you for the tips! I love those ideas. I also try eating clean. It’s a lot of effort to have to make most of my meals for the day, but I feel so much better when I know what I’m eating and eliminate the things that zap my energy. It’s amazing how you have time to share with us, take care of your family and yourself. You are absolutely right, you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others. I have a little reminder hanging in my living room that says ” Don’t just be kind to others, be kind to yourself” 🙂 Thank you for all the wonderful posts!! Jess
Alexis Southward
I set limits on my social media recently and have been satisfying the urge to reach for my phone by grabbing a book. It absolutely calms my mind more than scrolling my feed ever did. Since becoming a mom, I listen to audiobooks regularly as a form of self care. Dishes and laundry are more tolerable when you can enjoy your favorite books hands free. Love this post!
Gabriella Rodrigues
Hi Gen, I’m Brazilian and I’m following your blog, since I started I’m feeling much better with myself, so thank you very much for passing it on to other people ❤
Chris Lee
Hey Gen,
Totally agree on working out (thanks for sharing your workout videos by the way!) and tea.
I always wonder about finding time for books that I am interested in reading. I constantly feel like the bits of time I use for social media will never be enough for me to read a book and enjoy it, so instead I read a lot of fanfics (you’d probably know what that is from the Supernatural fandom) because they’re shorter. How do you bring that midset of leaving the phone and grabbing the book when there’s just so much to do and think about (especially with Thomas, Austin and Odette)?
Meditation too! How do you get yourself to stop thinking in total when meditating? I can never manage to find a state where my brain just stop spewing thoughts and nonsense into my mind, that’s why I never bothered meditating ever again.
Thank you for sharing your steps towards self care, Gen. It definietely helped me think about my own way of caring for myself.
Have a great day!
Silvia
I really enojy your blog! I hope you’ll bring other interesting books suggestions and self care posts. In my opinion I think it would be great if you’d start a series of video with different topics every week. I like your way of speaking, thinking and creativity. I’d surely follow it!
Hope to meet you and/or your husband one day! Huge love and hugs from an itaian fan! <3