Keeping up With Self Care When Life Happens

Hello Ladies! When I first thought of blogging on this topic, it was more of a way to check in on New Years Resolutions and stay consistent when I let a stressful situation take over my life a little too much. Little did I know that a global pandemic was about to completely change everyone's way of life for a considerable period of time!

Now more than ever, I think it's important to refocus on our self-growth and development goals with self care being a key component! While I still love the concept of the "Happy List" (see January's post if you don't know what I'm talking about), I realize that people have different challenges right now based on profession.

Perhaps you are an essential worker and in addition to your job being extra intense right now, you are also working long hours and possibly separating yourself from the immediate family who normally live with -or- you might fall into the category of having a lot of free time at your disposal with no income coming in until this is over or until unemployment benefits kick in (fingers crossed).

The point of view I speak from is somewhere in the middle. (A little more free time and a lot less income). I just realized it's been a month since I have worked with a client in person! It's so interesting how something out of our control can take over and fully change our perspective! Right about now I would love to trade this in for the measly challenges I experienced back in February!

Here are my simple tips to keeping up with self care in these interesting times;

1. Allow yourself to feel all the feelings. My greatest strength is coming from the ability to surrender to what I cannot change. It's okay to feel really upset, emotional, disappointed, etc. for a day or two. As things have progressed, there have been a few milestones over the past month when things have gotten even more difficult for me professionally than I anticipated. I find that as long as don't live in the mindset of, "This can't be happening! How is this even real?!?!" it's easier for me to stay in a zen place most of the time.

2. Schedule the time for Self Care. If you are working overtime right now, this may look like setting the intention to spend 30minutes reading a book, or 5 minutes stretching. If you are laid off, this may look like scheduling in 2 hours in a day to research a topic you are interested in and holding yourself accountable. I realize that for some of us, given several weeks of free time makes it hard to not just lay around and relax all the time. I'm not saying everyone needs to accomplish great things with this time, but rather that those of us blessed with extra free time use it to our advantage in some way.

3. Revisit/Revise the Happy List. I introduced this idea in January as a way to remember the things that bring us joy and to replace wasted time with self care time. Here is my revised list to suit a time when most businesses are closed and many of us are trying to not spend any money.

-Reread a favorite book that you own.

-Finally read a book that you haven't yet read.

-Cook a favorite childhood comfort food. ex. Mac & Cheese from scratch.

-Cook from scratch more often than you normally do.

-Try at least one new recipe per week.

-Discover a peaceful route to walk or bike that doesn't have a lot of foot traffic.

-Try out a new home workout routine on YouTube, Instagram, or Pinterest.

-Finally accomplish an ignored household task. ex. I just figured out how to deep clean my 1800's radiators!

-Facetime/call the people you haven't seen in awhile.

-Write in a Journal

-Stretch

-Sit on your balcony if you have one. (Even in a winter coat, fresh air & sunshine feel nice)!

-Declutter your home. Set aside donations for later.

-Listen to podcasts.

-Study a topic you are interested in learning more about. ex. for me this is financial independence and sustainability & minimalism.

-(And) make tangible adjustments to your lifestyle based upon what you learn.

- Draw

I hope that you found some suggestions above that interest you and that you find the time to incorporate some self care in your life today!

Ann

What Happens if you Need to Postpone your Wedding?

Let's not beat around the bush, truth is- this is a dilemma many couples are having to consider at this time, and for many others it has already become a reality. That being said, let me assure you, having to postpone your wedding to a later date because of COVID-19 (or really any natural disaster- can we call it that?) doesn't have to be as stressful as it sounds! The person I was 3 weeks ago would not picture me ever saying this, but we have officially helped 3 months of our Brides to make this change it has all gone rather seamlessly.

Here is what I have learned and want to share with you;

1. Thankfully, you don't need to start from square one.

You have already invested a lot of time and money into creating the vision for your wedding day and securing the various vendors who will be able to bring it all together for you. Once you find out new options with your primary vendors (Venue, Ceremony site, caterer, etc.) you can share these dates with the rest of your vendors to find an option that works across the board.

2. Everyone is trying to make the best of a challenging situation and wants you to have the Wedding day of your dreams!

In the recent weeks I have had several conversations with the other vendors in Chicago, and I can tell you that we are all doing everything that we can to make this transition as easy as possible and help our couples to avoid unnecessary expenses. No one I know of is charging clients a rebooking fee and everyone is making an effort to be flexible with dates.

3. You will still get to have your special day.

Sure, it may not happen on the exact day you had envisioned, but it will happen. And when it does, we wont need to stress about all of our loved ones being able to make the trip and celebrate with us because this challenging time will be in the past!

Caitlyn & Tim's Wedding

11.16.19

Hair by Ann & Nicole

Photo credits: Rebecca Haley Photography

Create Your Own Spa Day

Do you feel like you really need a day of pampering? Let me show you how to treat yourself to a luxurious spa day that you can recreate without even leaving your house or buying anything new! Just follow my simple itinerary below & enjoy.

Step 1. Schedule the Time

Make sure to give your self 3 hours without interruptions from your partner, pets, or babies. Enlist the help of your partner if needed.

Step 2. Set the Vibe

Close the blinds, light all the candles you own, and play your favorite chill music. I like the "Pure Yoga" playlist on Apple Music.

Step 3. Hydrate

Drink water infused with fruit (all day). I happened to have extra limes and basil, so that's what I used.

Step 4. Stretch for Approximately 5 Minutes

I practiced my favorite yoga moves to the timeframe of two songs.

Step 5. Dry Brush

If you own a dry brush, spend approximately 3 minutes brushing your body in a circular motion with medium pressure working towards your heart. (feet to hips, hands to shoulders, then from the outer edges to your torso towards the heart). If you don't own a dry brush, try a textured or rough towel. This will help you decide if you want to purchase a dry brush later.

Step 6. Deep Condition

Apply your favorite deep conditioner (or regular conditioner if you don't have one) from the mid lengths to ends of your dry hair and twist into a bun shape and the top of your head. Clip if needed.

Step 7. Mask

Apply your favorite face mask, need I say more?

Step 8. Foot Soak

Remove your finger and toenail polish first and also trim and file your nails. I made a home made foot scrub by mixing about one cup of sea salt with a small amount of olive oil. You can also use your favorite essential oils, but I didn't have any. If the scrub gets a little messy, don't worry because it's time to...

Step 9. Shower

Step 10. Moisturize

Use your favorite lotion/moisturizer and take your time head to toe!

Step 11. Blowout

Take your time blowdrying your hair and finish it smoothly over a round brush

Step 12. Mani-Pedi

Polish your nails in a favorite color that makes you smile. I used the Essie color; Good as Gold.

Step 13. Relax

This day is for you. Allow your self to take things slow, read a book, and even stay in your bathrobe all day!

Special Note: This post was written at the time of the Shelter in Place order in Chicago. It was a fun challenge to come up with a day of self-pampering without leaving the house to pick up any new indulgent products.