Buzz
The importance of self-care is well recognized, and for good reason. We truly need to prioritize our well-being. We often feel overwhelmed, overburdened, and exhausted. It would be great to have more massages and go on long beach holidays. However, that brings us to the dilemma of self-care. Many of the things that could genuinely rejuvenate us—like meeting a friend for a casual hangout or enjoying a relaxing bath—seem out of reach due to lack of time or financial resources.
But self-care doesn’t have to be another unattainable task on our to-do list. Instead, it can be something we take small, manageable steps toward—easy, affordable, and quick.
Rachel Garlinghouse shares her moment of self-care realization on Scary Mommy:
One day, it occurred to me that perhaps the best place to practice self-care was right in my own home. But how could I do that? While running errands—because we’re always running out of toothpaste—I stumbled upon a clear cosmetics container designed to sit on a countertop, making everything easily accessible.
I felt like a beam of light had suddenly appeared above me, and the Hallelujah chorus might start playing at any moment, right there in the store. This was the answer I had been searching for. I bought the cosmetics container, along with a few tubes of much-needed toothpaste. When I got home, I placed the container on my bathroom counter. But then, what’s next?
The “what’s next” turned into a collection of small things that Garlinghouse finds soothing, many of which she already had but had tucked away in the back of cabinets, out of sight and out of mind. These items included teeth whitening strips and a foot exfoliator. She also bought a few affordable extras: a soft headband to keep her hair back, several packets of coffee-coconut face masks, and a dry skin brush.
The secret, Garlinghouse learned, is to store everything in a high-traffic area of the house (in her case, the bathroom) and keep it all in plain view.
I know what you’re thinking:
That’s great, Rachel, but do you actually make time to use your self-care items?
The answer is yes, because every time I walk into my bathroom, the container is right there, acting as a gentle reminder to take a few moments for myself.
Your self-care box can be placed wherever it makes the most sense to you—whether that's on your dresser, nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter. What you choose to put inside will vary from person to person, but here are some ideas to help get you started:
Your favorite tea or coffee.
Aromatherapy tablets for your shower.
Your most luxurious lotion.
A couple of pieces of dark chocolate.
A refreshing or therapeutic foot scrub.
A scented candle to light as you get ready.
Lavender spray for your pillow.
The key is to select items that feel like a small indulgence but only take a few minutes to use. Each day, choose one (or more!). Of course, if you do have the time and resources for that weekend getaway to a vineyard or a full-day spa treatment, you should definitely treat yourself to that as well.
Learn more about mental health and online therapy through G/O Media's partner
Mytour is not involved in the creation of these articles but may receive a commission from purchases made through its content:
