As someone who battles anxiety, a Type A personality, and a Black woman who works in corporate America, a self care routine (and my therapist on speed dial) are paramount to my mental health.
I recently suffered an anxiety attack, and in trying to point out my trigger, it became glaringly obvious that I was taking care of everyone and everything, except for myself. I allowed myself time to feel, and then I said I need to restore order rather quickly.
The tools and tactics I employed to achieve this immediate balance and restoration made me realize these were things that were essential to keeping me sane, and I couldn’t bare to be without them. Something like a self care starter kit. Here are the things that I need:
1. Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers are an immediate mood booster for me. They’re beautiful to look at, and as I’m not a plant parent (I’m doing the best I can to keep myself and the dog alive, I dare not add another element) flowers are the best plants for me. I love beautiful roses in a multitude of colors and keep them in multiple places from my coffee table, dressers, inside my shower and even on my bar cart.
2. Candles
Burning a candle with the right aromatics is just what I need to not only set the mood but have my home smelling amazing. Just like with the fragrances I choose to wear, I prefer scents that are woodsy with with some musk and a bit of either citrus or floral elements. Two of my favorite candles right now are from Poured by Privy in “Baptism” and “Forehead Kiss”. You can shop them here.
3. Epsom Salt Soak
Taking a nice luxurious bath once a week has been life changing for me. I’ve never really been one for soaks and bubble baths, but maybe this is just life on the other side of 35. I set the mood with candles, put rose petals in my bath, a few bubbles (in the water and in my glass), get a good playlist and just relax for about an hour.
4. A Cup of Tea
I know people love their coffee, but I’m a tea girl! I love a cup of green tea with lemon in the morning to start my day. Mid day I like mint tea to soothe my stomach after a meal, and ending the day with chamomile tea before bed is the perfect way to unwind and get ready for bed.
5. White Sage and Palo Santo
When the energy is off, everything is off. This year I started smudging my home and balancing energies and I’ve been better off for it. I use white sage for a hard reset getting out good and bad energies, and use Palo Santo to get rid of the bad and keep the good. I purchased the “Bless This Home” smudging set from Zodiac Freak that you can purchase here.
6. A Walk in the Sun
Daily walks in the sun are immediate mood boosters for me. I’m grateful I now have a dog, so I’m forced to go outside and prolong my walks. Make sure you’re moving your body and getting some sun. Just think of yourself as a plant!
7. A Facial/Spa Routine
Giving myself a facial and taking care of my skin/appearance is always a great way to boost my mood and immediately see the results of my self care practice. You can read my post on my at home routine and watch the video here.
