Self Care,Self Love
Making Time for Yourself…
Womanhood is a beautifully multifaced existence: Wife. Mother. Daughter. Aunt. Niece. Sister. Friend. Coworker. Entrepreneur. The sheer volume of roles we occupy every day – often concurrently – is astonishing. As perpetual caregivers, organizers, community leaders, innovators and orchestrators of change, our lives are exceedingly busy. Whether by choice or circumstance, there’s a kind of compulsion within us to look after – and worry over – our families, friends, coworkers, pets, homes and even perfect strangers, but it can come at the expense of caring for ourselves.
We continue running full speed through the world, putting everyone else’s needs on the proverbial front burner. The hours turn into days, weeks, months and years, and before we know it, we’re in a tailspin – overwhelmed, overstimulated, drained, irritable and of no help to anyone, least of all ourselves. It’s a vicious cycle that can only be broken by realizing that self-care isn’t a lofty idea or a trendy buzzword. It’s as necessary to women as air and water are to life, itself.
In 2025, it’s time to make self-care a priority and a daily habit. Follow along for seven simple ways to take the best care of your first order of business: you.
Drink Your Water, Girl. It sounds simple enough but when life gets busy, remembering to drink the recommended daily dose of water is an easy thing to overlook. Did you know that most adults should drink roughly half of their body weight in ounces of water per day? That means if you weigh 180 pounds, you should be drinking approximately 90 ounces of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy. If the thought of slugging down that many glasses a day has you feeling like you might just drown, here’s a simple trick: Find a cup you love with a straw. A straw can help encourage drinking. Bored with regular H2O? Add a splash of lemon or lime juice, or a slice of cucumber for flavor.
Take Time to Moisturize: You can always tell that life has gotten away from you when you look at your skin and realize it’s drier than the Sahara. Take a few minutes a day to properly moisturize your body’s largest organ. Your skin is most receptive to moisture when you’re fresh out of the shower. Pamona Purdy, a dermatology physician assistant with Sutter Health, says, “Water is the best hydrator, but it evaporates quickly. You have about 60 seconds to trap the water in with moisturizer.” Purdy says CeraVe and Neutrogena can do double duty as moisturizers for the body and the face. Aveeno is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Learn That “No” is a Full Sentence: “No” is a hard word for many people to say, but saying it can be a step toward self-preservation. Overcommitting is the kiss of death for peace of mind. Sometimes, taking care of yourself means admitting that your plate is already full. Take one thing off that plate and put it back on the shelf, sister. Learning to live with some space for quiet reflection is one of the most radical acts of self-care. Your mental health and blood pressure will thank you.
Take a Lazy Day: Being booked and busy can feel like fulfillment but sometimes, a girl just needs a day of rest. Taking a day for yourself is a great way to recharge when life is pulling you in a million directions, as it often does. So, lounge in your pajamas, linger in bed without guilt, or sleep in as long as you need to. Turn your phone off, tune into your favorite series, read a book, have a meal delivered, and let those chores wait until tomorrow. Don’t guilt yourself into running ragged. “Rest” is not a dirty word.
Girls’ Nights Are a Gift: Spending time with your girlfriends might seem like frivolity when you’re busy. But being around other women – laughing, processing ideas, sharing stories and even commiserating for a bit can help set the world back on its feet again. Whether it’s dinner and drinks, a night of roller skating or dancing, taking a class together or even a phone date with a long-distance girlfriend, carve out some time in your busy schedule to connect with the women who matter most to you. Your heart will feel lighter by the end of the night.
Make Exercise Fun: There are some people who genuinely enjoy exercising, but for some of us, it just doesn’t come easy. One way to ensure physical activity becomes a part of your daily routine is to make it something to look forward to. If you love to dance, consider a Hip Hop, Latin, or ballroom dance class. If water is where you find your calm, join a gym with a swimming pool or invest in a personal kayak and hit the lake before or after work. If you love to feel the wind in your hair, make time to ride your bike for even 30 minutes a day. Even a walk through your favorite park or neighborhood can get your blood circulating as it should. Making time to move your body is the best way to show yourself a little bit of love every day.
Take Time to Create: Not every woman considers herself an artist, but there is something creative within all of us. Whether it’s a penchant for painting or photography, a knack for sewing or the ability to create a masterpiece in the kitchen, creating something beautiful and memorable just feels good! We are creative beings by nature, and acknowledging that part of our womanhood can help remind us of the passion and joy that live within us. Your creation doesn’t have to be perfect or even align with other people’s version of art. It simply must bring you happiness and put a smile on your face •
