Self Love is the Best Love
A couple of months ago I was sitting on my couch feeling drained, ugly, resentful, and any other word you can think of that is negative. I was feeling sorry for myself. Life is hard man. Relationships are hard, raising kids is hard, having a career is hard, trying to keep up with everything is just hard. This is more than just a bad day, this is a day that I am self reflecting on how hard everything is.
Recently I've been reading a lot of self empowering books and blogs and one of the things that seems to be reoccurring advice is to stop focusing on the problems and start to focus on some solutions. So as I was sitting there on the couch with a pint of ice cream, a binger, and a bad attitude I started to wonder what I could do to help myself turn my mind around and realize that nothing in my life is too hard.
Suddenly at that moment I noticed my toenails. Let's just say I haven't had a pedicure in a LONG time. Then I noticed my hairy legs, my eyebrows, my messy pony tail, now of course these things could've made me open another pint of ice cream and go to town but like I said before, I am trying to focus on solutions instead of self pity and problems and that's when a lightbulb went off in my head, I have been so caught up in taking care of the family that I have seriously neglected myself. It's no wonder I've been feeling down and out.
I put the ice cream and the binger down and went straight to my bathroom and ran myself a bath. I soaked with a big cup of ice water, I put a honey mask on, I scrubbed my body with a salt scrub, I gave myself a mani and a pedi, I waxed my brows and my lip, I sat in silence and took some time to meditate. I made sure everyone in the family knew that they had better NOT disturb me OR ELSE!!
When I was done loving myself I felt so good! I've made this a weekly routine now. I've been staying true to my work out routine, counting calories, and now this self love routine, I've never felt better! As women we carry a large load on our shoulders. We are naturally maternal and want to take care of everything and everyone and often times forget about taking care of ourselves. Taking time out for ourselves to love ourselves is empowering and it feels so good.
Here are some ideas for self love.
A feel good bath
Photo credit: creatingabetterlife.net
I use Epsom Salts, essential oil (I suggest bergamot because it is an uplifting scent), and baking soda because it is good for detoxing the body as well as beneficial for the skin.
My friend April turned me onto pure magnesium flakes which you can just sprinkle right into the bath.
Magnesium is really good for you, It's good for parathyroid function, boosts the bio-availability of vitamin B6, improves muscle functions, prevents osteoporosis, insomnia, constipation, and migraines. Don't forget to bring an ice cold rag to drape over your head in the bath to help get rid of some of the heat from the hot water.
Dry Brushing
While the bath is filling up I use a dry brush on my skin and lymphatic system.
What is lymph? The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a clear, colorless fluid containing white blood cells that helps rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.
Dry brushing the skin cleans the lymphatic system, removes dead skin layers, Strengthens the immune system, stimulates the hormone and oil glands, Tones the muscles, stimulates the circulatory system, and reduces cellulite. To dry brush start at your feet and work your way up. Note: Stroking away from your heart can put extra pressure on the valves within the veins and lymph vessels and over time may lead to ruptured vessels and varicose veins.
You don't have to dry brush too hard. Use light pressure in areas where the skin is thin and harder pressure on places like the soles of the feet. Don’t overdo it, remember this is not tile or grout but a living organ! If you are experiencing health problems you should ask your doctor before dry brushing.
Face Mask
After I'm done dry brushing I get out whatever I'm using for a face mask. Sometimes I make a raw honey mask which is just raw honey slathered on my face, sometimes I use an avocado lemon mask, my sweet friend Heather just turned me on to a coconut oil baking soda face mask.
She says it works like a champ and it has been approved by her dermatologist.
Salt Scrub
I made a homemade body scrub out of olive oil and epsom salt.
I know I dry brushed before I got into the bath but I like using this scrub as well because the oils are good for the skin and I love shaving after using the scrub. It makes my legs silky smooth.
The bath is a great time to try out some of those accupressure points!! (Refer to the blog Bad day)
Drink Water NOT Booze
I know it is tempting to drink wine or beer in the bath but I assure you to get the full benefits of this self love a nice big glass of ice water is the best!
You actually sweat under water so you want to stay hydrated to prevent a headache and dehydration.
I hope you enjoy loving yourself as much as I do!! Hey, if you need something to listen to while you're taking your bath, check out our show. Scroll down and push play. Thanks for listening and for sharing with your friends.
Good Talk!
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