Long weeks, packed calendars and weekends that look more like work days. Getting it all done is great, but you absolutely have to balance it by paying attention to yourself!
Don’t neglect self care, guys.
I’d definitely been neglecting this area for a while. I’d come home from work and hop on the computer to schedule a post, check in on social and email or do some work for the rebrand.
I started getting headaches again and having neck issues, thanks to stress. I wasn’t sleeping well, which only makes pushing yourself that much more detrimental. It would get to the point where turning off the lights and just laying still on the couch for an hour was my saving grace.
The first step to getting back on track was getting back into a regular self care routine. Something simple that I could do during that week. Nothing too time consuming, but still effective.
I started by eliminating jumping back into work as soon as I walked in the door in the evenings. Instead, I’ll grab whatever book I’m reading and get through a chapter, watch a short tv show or call my parents. Anything that can be done on the couch after changing into comfy clothes is ideal.
I’ll do one of those activities for 15-30 minutes before heading into the kitchen to make dinner. A slow winding down of the night feels so much better to me than nonstop action.
Before I eat, I always light a candle to keep the relaxed mood going. I’ve been loving this Cinnamon Bun candle from Candelles lately! I move it between my bedroom and living room because even without lighting it, you’ll have that simplistic sweet smell in the air.
I don’t typically go for sweet scented candles, but this one I really can’t get enough of. The burn time is also amazing (I tend to burn my candles for hours at a time).
They’re a local Pennsylvania business with tons of amazing scents to choose from, that I’d highly recommend.
Once I wrap up dinner, then I’ll reach for my laptop and do a little work.
As I reach the end of my list (that I try to keep as short as possible) I’ll run into the bathroom and throw a face mask on. I have a few that I use regularly, but the cupcake mask from Lush is one of my favorites –you’ve probably seen me use it if you follow me on Snapchat.
It smells like chocolate mousse and leaves my skin feeling butter soft. I leave it on while I wash dishes and put food away.
Once the mask is off, I’ll use a gentle face wash then moisturize with a few drops of argon oil (I’ve been trying out a sample of this one, which I’m liking so far!).
By the end of the night, I’m back in bed with a book (I’ve really been good about no screens in bed) and ready for a good nights sleep.
Just a few, simple steps that make a world of difference in how I’m feeling at the end of the day.
How do you de-stress after a long day?
I was sent a candle courtesy of Candelles to try and feature as I’d like. This post is not paid-for content and all opionions, as always, are my own.
I’ve been looking at Candelles’ products on Instagram forevvvver, & I think this rec is exactly what I need to go forth & snag one!
I always get so tempted when I walk by Cinnabon at the SEPTA station! I think I’d love Candelle’s cinnamon bun scent 😀 I wonder if it’ll go on sale… I’ve been burning a warm apple pie scented candle since autumn 😛 Love myself some cinnamon! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
I’ve heard such good things about the Fresh brand and need to check it out. I’ve been using the Lush “Mask of Magnaminty” mask and it’s so refreshing. Self care is pretty high on my priorities so it’s nice to get a look into your de-stressing routine!
De-stressing after a day of working from home can be a challenge since my office is in my bedroom! Thankfully it’s a large space and somewhat separate. One of my favorite de-stressing pastimes is to read and snuggle with the pups.