To-do lists are different for everyone. Sometimes they're handwritten in an old, worn down journal or, maybe your hasty thumbs type out the ongoing list in a note on your phone. Either way, they have one thing in common: it's in our humanly desire to cross off the items on our list to alleviate the hefty amount of items on our plate. It's quite satisfying. Often times, we spent far too much time going through the motions, drawing lines through the things we finally finished. Where is the time for ourselves on this never-ending list of things that have to be done?
Self-care shouldn't be something we are ashamed to add to that to-do list and it's definitely not something that should come around once in a blue moon when you're exhausted and unmotivated to do absolutely anything for yourself. You are the most important part of your daily list. Without a fresh mind, happy attitude and outlook on life, everything else seems so meaningless and weighty.
Here are ten things I do daily to care for myself. For me, these are essential to my happiness and well being. As for you? I hope this list inspires you to create your own list to add to your daily routine, or even follow this one. Self-care has its own agenda that shouldn't stop at anything to be completed. You are so important, so find time in every day to love and care for yourself. Your moments of indulgent bliss aren't a burden; they're a dang blessing.
1. Create a playlist
A song can change your mood, at least that's true for me. The first step on your self-love to-do list is to create a playlist jammed full of your favorite songs. Doesn't matter the genre, put them all in there. If you need some inspiration you can check mine out.
2. Hydration medication
Erin Leupp
Call me crazy, but the fullness of life for me includes a full cup of whatever it is I'm craving. Most of the time it's a grande vanilla almond milk latte with cold foam. Other days it's sleepy-time tea or honestly, ice cold water. Invest in a cute water bottle, thermos or mug, trust me. Whatever it is for you, keep your glass half full of water, coffee, tea or wine, and you will be surprised at how full your life starts to feel.
3. Blissful meditation
Erin Leupp
You don't have to be on a yoga mat or in a dark room to meditate. For me, it's spending a few moments of my day just catching my breath, praying and reflecting on the positives of the situations I've faced throughout the day. Wallow in the silence of a spare moment and think happy thoughts, send up a prayer, do a yoga flow or just plain breathe.
4. Diffuse for muse
We all love the aroma of a good candle, air freshener or diffused essential oil. A huge part of my self-love is heightening my sense of smell. I carry around two little bottles of essential oils, lavender and wild orange with me. Not only are they proven to improve your mood and calm you down, but they also smell so good. I also could spend an hour in Bath and Body Works stocking up on warm scented candles to light around my house.
5. Be your own chef
Erin Leupp
Make at least one meal a day for yourself. No, not hot pockets, or a bowl of cereal. Take some time to make something your body is craving. For me, it's usually breakfast or dinner. It doesn't take long for me to find something I want to try when I browse through Pinterest recipes. When you make something for your body, it'll thank you. It doesn't have to be the healthiest, but knowing that you completed something for yourself will make you so much happier. And less hungry.
6. Put a mask on
I'm not sure what it is about doing a face mask, but for some reason, it's my favorite way to end the day. Clearing your face up and making it feel clean and refreshed is one way you can close out your hectic day and prepare for some much-needed sleep!
7. Nap it up
Napping may seem like a waste of time to some people, but truly, you just need to listen to what your body is telling you. If it's telling you to slow down, don't be afraid to spend 15 minutes, or in some cases, three hours, catching up on the necessities that your body is telling you it needs!
8. Own the remote
The television show, Friends, is playing on my phone, television or laptop almost every single day. Sometimes I'm not even watching it; it's just on in the background. Sure I can probably quote every line from all the episodes, but that's not the point. The point is that the happiness of the show and how happy it personally makes me, just adds to the self-love of the day. This could be anything for you. Youtubers. Sermons. Television shows. Disney movies. Anything!
9. Sing in the shower
My roommate's bedroom is right next to my bathroom and through the paper thin walls, I have no doubt that everyday when I get in the shower, she can early my untuned voice singing the lyrics to my favorite jams. There's a playlist on Spotify for singing in the shower specifically, probably because, if you're anything like me, it just makes me happy to be alive.
10. Bundle up
Erin Leupp
I'm a huge advocate for grabbing a soft blanket and a good book and just chilling out. There is something about being encapsulated in the warmth that adds to the happiness of the day. That's why I think we get so excited to lay in bed every chance we get. Coziness demands to be apart of your self-love schedule.
