Self-care: is it part of your daily, weekly or monthly routine? While experiencing such a unique year, integrating this practice into your life has become even more important than ever. In case you need a little inspiration as to how and why to incorporate this into your day to day, we talked with five #AerieREAL Ambassadors about how self-care shows up and impacts their life in several different ways.
What’s your favorite way to show yourself self-care?
My favorite way to show self-care is going to a coffee shop and enjoying the little bit of peace it brings. I really love sitting outside (if the FL heat is tolerable ha!) to really soak in the view, atmosphere and relax. There’s something so peaceful about sipping coffee, eating a snack and taking time to slow down!
Why is taking the time to relax and reset important to you?
Taking time out to relax and reset is crucial because it allows me to show up as my best self in every other area of my life. I am constantly pulled in so many directions with work, school, my relationship and wedding planning during a pandemic. Taking time just for myself is just as important as tackling everything on my to-do list!
What have you learned about yourself by taking time for you?
I have learned that I naturally carry a lot of stress and can be easily overwhelmed by my ever-growing to-do list, but I’ve also learned that “me time” isn’t a selfish thing. I used to think that taking time out for myself was a method I created to avoid completing all the things that needed to get done. I now see it as my time to recharge so I can actually continue tackling my list and do them all with a fresh perspective.
What’s your favorite way to show yourself self-care?
Making conscious choices about what I put into my body is the foundation of my self-care routine. So, a lot of my self-care takes place in the kitchen. I make it a point every day to prepare drinks and meals that are full of superfoods, adaptogens and vitamins. Making my daily Matcha is my favorite way to show myself self-care, because it is a moment that requires me to slow down and become present. Yet, I am also preparing something that I know is going to bring my body beneficial energy and antioxidants. Matcha works with my body so much better than coffee!
Why is taking the time to relax and reset important to you?
Taking time to relax and reset is important to me because it grounds me. I can often get into my head worrying about the next task to accomplish or where I am going to be ten years from now. It isn’t healthy! When I take the time to connect to myself and rest, I am able to come back to the present moment. I am able to give more of my focused energy to my relationships and show up for the people I love.
What have you learned about yourself by taking time for you?
Taking time for myself has shown me that I am happiest when I find ways to bring fun and creativity into my day. My self-care routines are indicative of this. Some days “me time” looks like reading personal development books or doing some Kundalini meditation. Other days I need a solo dance party or time to concoct a new smoothie recipe. I am a person who thrives when I get the proper time to play and create! Laughter, adventure and movement keep me going. If I can feel that I am not getting enough of that, then I know there are other areas in my life that I need to set stronger boundaries around.
What’s your favorite way to show yourself self-care?
Self-care comes in so many different forms for me. I try to incorporate self-care into each day. I reserve the weekends for bigger activities like getting my nails done, having a spa day or dinner with my girlfriends. During the week, I’ve been intentional about turning my normal activities into pockets of self-care throughout the day. I’m a planner girl and I absolutely love to plan. Rather than just writing down things to do in my planner, I put some music on, light a candle, pull out some stickers and make a whole event out of it! It’s such a simple thing but I find joy in it and it can completely lift my mood.
Why is taking the time to relax and reset important to you?
With such a busy schedule, taking the time out for myself is usually planned, which gives me something to look forward to. Whether it’s a whole spa day or trying a new recipe for dinner, I get excited about it. Most of my life roles require me to give and pour out for others. Taking the time out for myself allows me to be selfish in a healthy way and helps me to remain in touch with the things I love.
What have you learned about yourself by taking time for you?
You can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s a well-known quote and holds very true for me. Who I am for myself and for others is optimized when I routinely take the time to reset and relax. I’ve experienced burnout before and as much as I was spreading myself thin, nothing was really being accomplished at the standard I’d intended. Keeping a standard of excellence and quality in my work, my relationships, and any other area requires that I take routine breaks.
What’s your favorite way to show yourself self-care?
My favorite way to show myself self-care is by doing a complete skin care routine that includes a face mask, lip scrub, different serums and creams. Then, I love to get in really comfy Aerie clothes, do an evening mediation and read a book. Some nights when I’m super burned out from the day, I like to watch Netflix and just give my mind a second to veg out. I loved watching different television shows as a kid, so it brings back this feeling of connecting with my inner child.
Why is taking the time to relax and reset important to you?
I am an overachiever and I feel like I’m always running at 1,000 MPS. Relaxing and resetting is important to me because it gives me time to work on myself so I can be a better micro-influencer, coach and friend. This is my time to realign myself so I can come back stronger and better the next day. I am just like a car; I can’t run on empty, so this helps me recharge. I have made improvements in not just my physical health, but my mental and emotional health by prioritizing time to relax and take care of myself.
What have you learned about yourself by taking time for you?
Something I learned by taking time for myself is that self-care is not limiting. I used to think that I had to revolve self-care around my life, but I have shifted my mindset to be the opposite — I shift my life around self-care. There are so many little things we can do during the day that can make the biggest impact. I make sure I take time by going to therapy every week, setting time aside to have lunch away from my computer, and keeping boundaries to log off my computer at the end of the work day. All these little moments I take for myself, really go a long way, and I feel even more relaxed + rested because I don’t end the day with feeling disconnected with myself. I’ve eased into this by taking time to do small habits that are a part of my self care routine.
What’s your favorite way to show yourself self-care?
I love doing so many things for self-care! A few of my favorite ways are working out and moving my body. Whether that’s going on long walks with my dog Harley, working out with my personal trainer, throwing on my favorite face mask while I drink something warm. These are moments I love and appreciate because it forces me to slow down, breath, reflect and isn’t that what self-care is all about.
Why is taking the time to relax and reset important to you?
It’s so important to me because it keeps me centered and feeling my best. My day job requires me to interact with a lot of people so if I’m not feeling my best, it definitely shows and affects my performance. I’ve also seen how it can affect my relationships with the people I love. I’ve always believed that you can’t pour from an empty cup so I really take time out of everyday to do something I really love, something that brings me joy. You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.
What have you learned about yourself by taking time for you?
I’ve realized that I’m a lot nicer when I’ve taken time for myself. I hope that doesn’t sound bad but it’s so true haha! Making time for myself has made such a difference. It positions my heart and mind to be in the right place and in return that just spills over into the way I carry myself and the way I speak to others. I’ve also learned that by making time for myself, I’m much more grateful. This is going to sound super cheesy but gratitude helps you fall in love with the life you already have. I think it’s important to be grateful for where you are but be driven and excited for where you’re going.
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