The Gift of Giving Back to Yourself

I'm a fan of the holidays. Have been for most of my life, and while society hyper-fixates on giving back to everyone else, I feel like most of us in similar shoes to mine give so much to everyone else through the year that we forget we're worth giving back to as well. That's not to say giving to the homeless and those less fortunate isn't a worthwhile venture. However, it is to remind you it is okay to give yourself the same level of TLC that you give to everyone else around you and sometimes it's important for us to recharge our batteries. So here we go...

Giving back to yourself looks a lot like spoiling yourself and here's my gift giving guide for self-care

1. Shower Steamers and Bath Bombs

    Inexpensive, low-maintenance and super easy to use. Plus if you struggle with taking care of yourself, this is a great way to incentivize taking a shower again. I'm not trying to be candid about this issue, I struggle with it sometimes too. But a hot shower or bubble bath always boosts my mood which is why I'm recommending these items to you. 

2. Eye Masks and Hair Bonnets

    If you have long hair like I do and don't want to wash it every day I highly recommend a hair bonnet (and shower bonnet so you can keep it dry). Plus an eye mask. There's a trend going around about living the soft life, and while I haven't done enough research to warrant an opinion, I did get the idea for these two items from a photo I saw on Pinterest with a similar caption for the soft life. Let me tell you what a game changer these have been for me. I sleep so much better and more comfortably with them than before. and I wake up feeling so glamorous. ( Further recommendations I'd suggest is a satin bath robe. Talk about Hollywood glam!)

3. Face masks

   Male or Female or Nonbinary I highly recommend a good skin care routine. I use Clean and Clear products, but I also enjoy face-masks after a nice hot shower for that extra stress relief. When I was working at the hospital I used to make a habit of taking an extra long hot shower (I live on property where I have well water so long showers are no problem), then I'd relax with a meditation podcast or session from Calm and do a face-mask. Definitely what the doctor ordered. It helped keep the stress lower than when I got home from work. 

4. A solid pair of headphones for working or the gym. 

    I like Urbanista Miami (a little on the pricier side) or a pair of blue-tooth headphones that wrap around the ear from Amazon. Both are water resistant and noise canceling. Where the Urbanista Miamis are roughly $200 the pair from Amazon are $30 and come with their own charging case and cable. Super easy to use and budget friendly. 

5. Mood Journal- Walmart

    There is this mood journal I've talked about a few times in the early postings. I found it at first Target and now Walmart, I just bought my second one and can't recommend it enough. It has a weekly schedule and you can record everything from gym time to meals to moods and activities. If you don't like the idea of recording things like that on your phone go old school with this journal from Walmart!

6. The Water Cup

     Go get yourself a 40 oz cup with a lid, a straw and a handle. I found mine on sale at Hobby Lobby for $13, they mimic the Stanley cup, but are way cheaper and just as sturdy. Remember that post I did on how important water is and how it clears out toxins that build up in your system? Yeah, go get yourself a cup. 

7. Pop-its toy

You know those toys with the silicone bubbles you can repeatedly pop over and over again? They're excellent for reigning in that anxiety that traps us repeatedly. Even just to distract from a momentary issue so you can breathe. Again, Walmart. They have them for $3 to $5. Super cheap and well worth putting in your own stocking. 

8. Coloring Books

      I think the kids have the right idea. Coloring is so soothing and relaxing, well worth investing in a good coloring book, adult or otherwise, and a solid set of crayons. Frankly, the 64 pack with the sharpener in the back from Crayola is my favorite. 

9. weighted blankets

    Remember that soft life comment? I'm adding to that, buy yourself an anxiety blanket (what I call my weighted blanket). I sleep with it nightly, it's 35 pounds and calms me down when my mind won't quit. that plus the eye mask and hair bonnet for sleeping, you get the idea. 10/10 would recommend. They're also good when you need to just calm down from the day. 

10. Snacks

    Time to invest in your favorite snacks. Personally, I'm game for a cup of tea and maybe some sugar cookies. I made the mistake a while back and bought a container. It was gone in less than 24 hours, haha. 

11. Healing stones

    Things like amethyst and citrine bracelets. You can find them at your metaphysical store, I'd also recommend ones in jet or obsidian. If you struggle with negativity like I do then this might be a worthwhile investment.

12. Date night with yourself

    Do something for you this holiday season. Take yourself on a date, but only by yourself. Take a book for dinner, stay off your phone and enjoy life a little. I vote, dinner, maybe a trip to the bookstore uninterrupted. If your a parent I know this can be a little difficult to do, I'd suggest a babysitter or maybe the kiddos go to the grandparents for a night. But you deserve you time too. 

 

And ta-da! Here is my gift giving guide to yourself! You should, of course put yourself first because if you don't take care of you, who will? You are important, you are loved, and you are strong. Go forth and conquer the holiday season!

Happy Holidays, 

<3

E