Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me: Self-Care when you are Sick
This has been the year of health for me. No, not being the healthiest but actually trying to figure out what causes the discomfort and aches I experience. It has meant a few surgeries, way more tests than I'd like and a lot of doctor's appointments. However, knowing that I have a self-care routine that I can adapt to fit my needs and time has been a great comfort, even when I feel bleh. So, here are some ways you can incorporate taking care of yourself even when its the last thing you want to do.
1. Listen to your body
For all those people who have lovely periods that they don't dread, please don't feel offended when I say I hate you. Nothing personal, but since mine started, I have never known anything but gut-wrenching, nauseating pain that makes me want to crawl inside a heating pad and stab someone at the same time. I would like to take this moment to apologize for anything I may have said during those times. I swear, its not me...its my insane uterus.
But regardless, those are the times when I feel the worst. So, if your body is saying that you need to take a nap at 3 pm, you take a nap. If you need to spend the whole day in pajamas, you wear those jammies! Forgiving ourselves for not always being 100% put together is a freeing feeling as long as we realize that it just what our body needs at the moment. I know exercise is good for me but during those 5-7 days, the only exercise I am getting is writhing around on the bed and you know what, that is good enough.
2. One step at a time
If all you can do to take care of yourself on your worst days is brush your teeth and take a shower, celebrate that. I like to fully embrace the idea and put on comfy pjs (a satin robe is a great way to make it look like you tried really hard, especially when you pair it with fluffy, marabou slippers). Besides, isn't sipping hot tea in bed with a robe on kinda a mood? At least I think that's what the kids are saying these days...
3. Do your hair
Some people love makeup, others have a fierce fashion sense while some have a shoe collection that's drool worthy. Heck, maybe none of these are your thing but if you can, take the time and effort to do your hair. Even if I have bags under my eyes and a giant breakout threatening to erupt, when my hair looks good, I feel good. But let's be honest...if its day three and my roots have enough oil to merit a US invasion, good hair isn't easy to achieve. That is why I have a couple of go-to updos that make it a little easier to feel presentable. Something about switching out that messy scrunch bun to a cute braided ponytail helps me feel just a bit more accomplished.
4. Invest in quality loungewear
If you haven't already upgraded this part of your loungewear, please tell me where you live because clearly the pandemic must have skipped over you. Seems like everyone is rocking the atheleisure/is-she-actually-on-her-way-to-yoga-class look these days and you should too! Waistbands are soo 2019. Personally, I love Lou & Grey for their super soft sweatpants and Aerie has great budget-friendly options too. Though, if you ever try to take my Like a Cloud sports bra from Lululemon, I will shed literal tears.
Quality loungewear will make you feel a little bit more polished than the whole high school t-shirt and flannel pajamas that you got from a White Elephant gift exchange. It is time to toss those out and give yourself an upgrade!
5. Pick a favorite routine
For me, it's eating in the bathtub. I don't know why...maybe it was the iconic bathtub sofa from Breakfast at Tiffany's or the fact that I was never a wine girl, but having a snack in the tub just feels so lux and taboo at the same time. So, for me, a slice of pizza and bubbles means a perfect wind down routine. Maybe for you its a good book and a cup of tea or a yoga routine (look at you, you glowing go-getter!). Either way, when you discover something you love and feel good afterwards, indulge in it. I may get my tasty tub time once a quarter but it is something special that makes me feel relaxed, no matter what.
The more you prioritize self-care, the more you are able to learn what you need. We may not have the luxury of indulging in ourselves everyday but when it gets to be a challenging day, it is always nice to be able to take care of the most important person...you!
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