Self-care is important to our bodies, minds and spirits. It increases our energy and concentration, reduces illness and stress, while maintaining healthy relationships with others. Looking for self-care tactics? Here are eight ways I take care of myself!
Disclaimer: These are my self-care techniques and beauty maintenance routines, which are based upon myself and my needs, wants, and priorities. So, while they are great, they aren’t for everyone. This is only from my experience.
Skincare
My skincare regimen is different per the phases my skin goes through. For instance, I tend to break out during my menstrual cycle. That means I use products to help with sebum (oil) production, try not to touch my face as often (you know.. with those pimples..), and be sure to not forget to double cleanse! Then, some days I experience dryness, especially during the winter season. For that, I use products that will nourish my skin and protect its barrier.
Nonetheless, there are products that I use that are the same. These products include a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. As for other products I use like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Zinc, etc? Depends on what’s present for my skin and/or my skincare goals. See what I’m currently using here!
Skincare has always been part of my self-care. That’s how I became an aesthetician! I love it and I love learning about it. It truly takes me somewhere else mentally, while giving back to the body’s largest organ, the skin!
Haircare
Once I had my daughter, I understood what hair loss meant! I was losing hair just by brushing my hand through it. Luckily, I was in aesthetics school and was surrounded by skin and hair experts! I started using products to better care for my hair, helping it feel rejuvenated, strengthened, and healthy.
I also got my hair colored and cut for months at a time. It made me feel good. Coloring and styling my hair made me feel different. It was fun to give my hair character! It gave me a new look. It was something exciting to look forward to!
Massages, Sauna and Steam
Since working at a spa, I’ve made it a priority to receive treatments almost every month. The services I choose depend on what I’m looking for. Nevertheless, I try to pick a service that includes a full body massage whether or not it’s deep tissue. These treatments help me remain the greatest practitioner that I can be, while relaxing.
Either before or after my service, I book a personal retreat to the sauna and steam room. This gives me one hour to be with myself. There’s no phone, no laptop or iPad. There’s nothing for me to think about. I leave everything, quite literally, outside the four walls.
I can’t forget to mention the benefits of saunas and steam! They’re great for reducing stress, relieving soreness, improving blood flow, and assisting with the body’s detoxification.
Growing in Education
I’ve always been naturally curious, which means that I constantly tend to want to learn something new. This is something about myself that I focused on this year, which caught me by surprise. This year alone, I’ve graduated from school three times. Yup. Three times!
I feel that there’s so much to learn and to take advantage of in a lifetime, which honestly isn’t enough. However, we make do with the time we have, right? While taking on the courses that I have, I recognized just how much I love learning. It’s become part of my self care. I definitely wouldn’t have thought that with some of my college courses though (laughs)!
Why is it self care to me? Well, it means I have something to do and if you know me, I like to keep busy. Most importantly, I’m growing in ways that I wouldn’t have otherwise had I not taken these courses.
Journaling and Poetry
Writing about what I’m thinking has always helped me, hence, how Life of ACY came to be. Journaling is a channel for me to jot down my feelings, experiences, and plans. Not to mention, I can only write as fast as I do. Slowing down allows me to focus on what I’m writing about without skipping anything important.
Poetry is another channel for me to express myself in my truest form. I don’t remember when I started to enjoy poetry. However, I collected several books during high school. I even wanted to publish a book of poems! Maybe one day? Read some of them here and let me know what you think!
Meditation
This past November I took a meditation and mindfulness course to become certified in teaching it. Rather than it being a professional goal of mine, it was a personal goal. I invite you to read more about it here!
Meditation has given me space for my feelings, thoughts, relaxation, and more. In the morning, it helps me create intentions for the day. During the day, it provides me with a break. Before bed, it’s a great way to whine down!
Music
Did you know that I wanted to be a K-pop artist? Yup! When I was 13, I used to look up on the internet for competitions in Chicago or LA. I was so passionate, I used to write letters to my parents! Of course, I didn’t become a K-pop star. And of course, I still enjoy music!
I have quite a drive to the spa and back, so you bet I’m listening to music (if I’m not listening to a podcast)! It’s one of the most helpful ways I release the energy I’ve come across throughout the day. I work closely with my clients, literally touching their skin, and asking how they’re doing. It can be draining in some sense because the spa is where people come to relax.
If I’m seeing five clients who’ve had a week and I mean, who’ve had a week, yeah, I’m exhausted! Since I have a drive back home, it’s the perfect time to sing my heart out and let loose! It’s helped me to let go of any energy that I don’t need to be carrying. Also, it’s fun!
Another way that music helps me is by simply calming me. Sometimes all I need is instrumental music to get me through the car ride!
Art
Art is a creative outlet that I wish I tapped into more of. I used to draw as well as paint in middle school and high school. It was therapeutic. It gave me something to focus on while pouring out my best work. I’m hoping to get back into it this year, however!
