The Ultimate Self-Care Guide

Caring for yourself from tip to toe

While we all know how important self-care is, now that things are heading back to some semblance of normal, it is even more important to maintain self-care. One thing that some people realized during quarantine was how important it is to slow down. So, whether you have self-care built into your routine or you are looking for new methods of self-care to add to your wheelhouse, read on for a comprehensive list of things you need for self-care.

Skincare

Taking some time to care for the largest organ on your body is one key way to execute self-care. Your skin needs regular exfoliating to slough off the build-up of daily grime and dead skin cells. Certain products are designed to provide exfoliation daily, and other products are designed to provide more intense exfoliation. These are designed to be used once a week or even only once a month.

It is important to use the right exfoliator for each body part you are scrubbing. From your scalp to your feet, the different way your skin lies over your insides means you need to use different types of exfoliators. Certain exfoliators can be used all over the body, while others are specifically designed for your face, hands, or booty. Additionally, there are different methods for the different body parts. Do your research on how to exfoliate legs, feet, face, and scalp. You want to ensure to have an exfoliating cleanser or to exfoliate after cleansing. You may want to use additional tools for exfoliating, like a loofah or brush.

After exfoliating, you will want to moisturize. It is important to pick the right moisturizer for your skin. But how do you know what type of skin you have? The easiest way is to get blotting paper and pat it on your skin. Whether or not there is oil on the paper and how much can tell you where on the spectrum of oily to dry your skin falls.

If you have oily skin, you will want a lighter moisturizer. Whereas if your skin is dry, you will want to select a thicker moisturizer or an oil. If you have sensitive skin, you certainly have an idea of what works best for you and what types of fragrances you can handle, if you can handle fragrance at all. Typically products that are natural, plant-based, and/or vegan will be the most gentle. However, it is possible to still have allergies to ingredients, so be sure you are reading the labels.

Nails

Taking the time to care for your nails is another key step in the self-care routine. Whether you go to the spa for your manicures and pedicures or do them at home, keeping your nails clean and trimmed will enhance your overall health.

Taking the time to make your nails pretty is another step. Whether you opt for acrylic, press-ons, polish, wraps, or gel, check out Valentino Beauty Pure for your nail care needs from home.

If you want to head to the salon for your mani/pedi, make sure you are selecting a salon that is continuing to implement good hygiene practices. Do your research before selecting your salon. Inquire about their cleaning practices before making an appointment.

Wardrobe

There are few things as therapeutic as purging. Take time to ensure everything you surround yourself with is what you actually want, especially your clothes. Clean out your closet. The last year may have provided clarity on the clothes you actually wear the most and what you are most comfortable in. It may be that those items you love most need replacing.

Maybe you gained weight during the pandemic because stress eating is a thing, and there was plenty of stress in the last year. Perhaps you used the pandemic to dig into new health habits and started a fantastic workout routine that gave you brand new muscles and definition you never had before. Your workout wear needs replacing too, especially your shoes.

Workout shoes should be replaced every 6 months depending on the intensity and frequency of your workouts. If the tread is getting low or your cushioning is getting thin, it is probably time to get a new pair. It is extremely important for best workout results to have good, supportive shoes.

Do not forget the lesser thought of items of your wardrobe either like underwear, socks, belts, hats, and scarves. Use the off-season to purchase new winter wear like coats, beanies, and gloves. Maybe also take the time to go through your jewelry. Even if you only have a few valuable pieces that you keep for special occasions, take the time to clean them or take them to a professional for some restoration.

Hobbies

An important element is taking time to do things that you truly love, things that bring you joy. Whether your hobbies include exercise or not, there are plenty of things that you can do to set your spirit free.

• Knitting
• Crocheting
• Painting
• Gardening
• Woodworking
• Cross-stitch
• Journaling
• Scrapbooking
• Coloring

It is also important to remember that not everything you do with your spare time has to be monetized. Find the quiet moments to lose yourself in your hobby. Take the time to pick up a new book, check out a new author, or finally start that to-be-read pile sitting next to your bed. Don’t let the hobbies you might have picked up during quarantine end.

Travel

Now that things are starting to open up again, it is the perfect opportunity to plan a getaway. Whether you are travelling across the country or just down the road, use this opportunity to see some new sites.

One of the best ways to travel is to take a road trip. You can stop and check out interesting locations on your way to your destination. You also get the opportunity to see parts of the country you might not have before. And taste new foods. Travelling is an excellent excuse to check out the locations from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives or other shows that air on Food Network or the Travel Channel.

If you don’t have the time to drive to your vacation location and you are flying, that should provide you the time to maximize your time at your destination. Check out all the things there are to do in the place you are going. It is important to have an itinerary to optimize your time and ensure you get to do and see everything you want to.

An additional method of travel that people sometimes forget about is taking a train. Trains offer a unique experience and provide you a different view of this great country. Additionally, you may have the opportunity for small layovers along your journey that can give you a taste of locations you might not otherwise visit.

Regardless of if you stay in or go out, it is important to prioritize yourself. Take the time you need to focus on you, your health, your sanity, and the people and things you love. The world is focusing on returning to normal. Now, is the time to redefine normal and ensure that we build self-care and balance into our lives moving forward.