It’s February in the year 2017 and if ever there was a time for acknowledging that we need to be gentle with ourselves, it seems this is it. Self-care is having a moment, you might say, but trendy verbiage aside, what we all really need is a moment for self-care. It’s cold out. It’s dark out. For lots of folks, spinning around on this green and blue planet feels a little more uncertain than ever. We need a holiday devoted to love and chocolate, stat. Thank goodness we don’t have to wait too long.
In a nod to Valentine’s Day and treating yourself (or your lover), here’s a list of things to do to distract yourself, to restore a bit of energy, to encourage a bit of repose, to nourish body and spirit, in the coming week and always. 
Unplug, Two Ways:
+ Let your phone charge somewhere far from your nightstand. (No middle of the night Twitter catch-ups allowed.)
+ Meditate (for even just five minutes).
Take a Bath, Two Ways:
+ Get a $5 bag of epsom salts at the nearest pharmacy and soak yourself.
+ Up your game a bit with a nourishing blend of arnica-infused salts.
Read, Two Ways:
+ Curl up with a good book. I’m reading this one right now.
+ Curl up with a brand new read about good books.
Get a Massage, Two Ways:
+ Convince a loved one to rub you.
+ Book an appointment somewhere nearby and let the professionals do the work.
Exfoliate, Two Ways:
+ Whip up a simple sugar or salt scrub in your kitchen.
+ Familiarize yourself with a little something called body polish.
Change Your View, Two Ways:
+ Take a walk around the block.
+ Go to a new exhibit.
Release Stress, Two Ways:
+ Do a three-minute lip-sync to whatever does it for you. (No judgement.)
+ Take a chance on a floral essence.
Fend Off Germs, Two Ways:
+ Wash your hands more often.
+ Swallow a spoonful or three of immunity syrup.
Get Cozy, Two Ways
+ Wash and dry your throw blankets. Snuggle under something fresh and clean.
+ Stock up on special socks.
Breathe Easy, Two Ways
+ Let some crystals work their magic.
+ Fill your room with a cool mist.
Flowers, Two Ways
+ $3 bodega daffs, style.
+ Zine style.
Hang Out With People, Two Ways
+ Invite friends over for pizza, everyone brings wine and stays too late.
+ Go to a workshop, or a book reading, or a conservatory, or a movie.
21 Comments
Woman, I am so down.
My personal rescue remedy for really down moments are blessings. It doesn’t matter your religion (or even no religion). But a blessing is what we need. “Blessed be my work”, ” blessed be my day”, “blessed be my tears”, ” blessed be our moments of fight and our moments of rest.”
I love this Rita, thank you.
And thank you Erin for having the loveliest comments section on the www.
That is the most insightful, helpful thought. I love the idea of blessings. We talk a lot about it in church but I have never thought to extend it to hard moments.
Funny, I meant that I am down to try all of these self-care tips. However, it is because I am feeling so down that I am in need of them in the first place. Comment interpretation two ways!
That made me laugh outloud!!
I am down too. Down with this post, at the state of the world, and down with holding each other up. A good time for being gentle to ourselves.
Oh I love this. Yes, let us bless. It somehow softens, doesn’t it.
Erin, what type of plant is that? It’s so lovely!
Jasmine!
And the heavenly scent when it blooms!!!
Yes. And yes again. <3
I love the idea of the ‘two ways’ style for doing everything. I’ve seen so many posts celebrating Valentine’s Day recently and it’s so lovely. We all need a little bit more love in the world at the moment, so why not celebrate it?
Steph – http://www.nourishmeblog.co.uk
Thanks for the advise. I have to try the release stress and change my view 🙂
Love Sally Man,just few weeks a go I posted image of my nightstand with yours and hers book I have 🙂
Have you seen documentary with her?I had to watch it over and over,just brilliant in so many ways
Such a lovely post to remind us to take a break sometimes. We deserve it!
Another lovely, and timely, post.
I really enjoyed this post. I will be trying both the sugar and the salt scrub, as that is super necessary, and some of those warm socks to protect me from the cold morning floors.
one more: have an orgasm!!
hehehehe love you sister!
Really loved this post. Again, you’re killing it in the good idea dept.!
I just came across your blog and have bookmarked it. I really appreciate your writing style, which is simple and somehow gentle. Self-care is, for me, the foundation of everything else I want to do in life and of all the people I want to love. It’s not about massages and facials and opting out of my life, per se. It’s more about finding those quiet moments to give back a little to myself and refresh what I’ve given away. This post is such a great reminder of how to do this throughout the day, without a lot of fuss or money or time. My favorite mid-day break is to do a 5-minute Tara Stiles yoga video. I don’t know what it is about Tara’s style, but it always calms me. I can feel myself settling down and actually getting happier in those five minutes. Here’s to a lovely February and the rest of 2017. Amy
I love these wonderful ideas! It’s so importnat to take care of ourselves!
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