Self Care: Take Some "Me Time"

Contributed by: Krystal of Rhea Aligned
A twenty-something wife, mother to one diva child, bonus mom to two amazing children, daughter to the worlds most amazing parents, friends to some, and the list goes on. Bit of an introvert and foodie; against all things cold and has recently tapped into making handmade products. Rhea Aligned is busy; self-care is a must!

​What is self-care?

Self-care can be easily defined but hard to practice, especially with a marriage, family and life dedicated to making a difference. I must admit, I often fail at self-care, yet I know I am NOT alone. I fall into being the mom, the wife and the helper, often forgetting "the me". As I type about this topic, I have a little spoiled person in the bed with me that won’t stop talking to me about her dolls and a very loud iPad talking about some toy that she will ask me about on YouTube.  Thus saying -- everyone needs time alone, just to do something for themselves. To realign and center their energy! 

There are several  people who do not have a problem with taking time out for self-care.  I wish I were more like them in realizing and understanding that I need time to compose myself. *I am working on it* Doing things for yourself is therapeutic and helps with emotional and physical well-being. The demands of life can make self-care hard to practice but we must make time.  If needed, simply schedule "me-time" just like you schedule your hair appointments, meetings or your doctor visits. Make YOURSELF a priority! 

​How do you get your self-care?

Do you have a set time each week or during the month that you devote to doing something for yourself without any interruptions? Do you have time that you lock yourself in a room and meditate? Does your self-care include you spending money or is it something that is completely free? How you practice self-care may differ from the way I do or the way someone else does, however as long as you are investing in self, you're spot on! Although it may seem like a task to schedule time for yourself, it is a must. Self-care isn’t just for those that are married or those that are super busy, everyone needs a self-care regimen! 

​Me Time with Me!

I recently went on a much-needed self-care day. I got an opportunity to cash in on my gift card from Mother's Day to a massage at Gould’s Spa. That 60 minutes of relaxation was amazing. I then followed up with a manicure and pedicure at a place here that I will not return for service again.  Despite the downfall with their service,  it felt good to be able to spend time away from my husband and child and focus on self.  I had plans to do so much more, like do some window shopping, get my eyebrows tamed, etc. But laying on that table, I had time to think about some issues that have been on my mind.  Being able to listen to what was going on around me and not hear “mommy, mama, ma, babe, Krystal, etc.” and break my concentration. *So Peaceful* Book your personal spa-day soon! 

Here's My Two Cents

Please take the time to figure out what makes you happy and do it at least once a month.  My husband is an extrovert, he enjoys going out and would every night if possible.  To him going out is his "me time" or self-care.  I’m the complete opposite, I hate meeting new people and doing things that involve being in crowds. I am an uber-introvert! Give me a spa day or some time to shop in a local boutique or some peace and quiet and I am H-A-P-P-Y! 

​No matter what it is that you deem "your time", take it. Make self-care an important thing. Add something daily, weekly or monthly that helps you align yourself with yourself!  In the words of Representative Maxine Waters, “Reclaiming my Time”!  Some of us need to take her advice a little more often. Take care of you!

Your Turn

How do you practice self-care? Is it daily? Weekly? Monthly? When is your scheduled "me time"? Share with us some of your "me time" activities or self-care regimens! Together we can inspire each other to invest in self!