By Avril Cayenne
Today’s women wear many hats and shoulder many responsibilities daily; we do more for everyone at the expense of our own mental and emotional health. We are the heartbeat of the home and family; we compromise and give up so much of ourselves to be the perfect mom, wife, sister, and friend. We have to realize that we are human and that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of others, being a woman is wonderful, but honestly, it can be overwhelming.
And that is why making self-care a priority should be a regular part of our routine.
Self-care is not a ‘one and done‘ or a ‘when I get a chance I’ll relax’ activity, it should be an ongoing part of a woman’s life. Carrying this ‘Superwoman’ badge does not suit you, hun; it’s a heavy burden and really should not be worn proudly. Let’s face it, we organize childcare duties, plan meals, schedule doctors’ visits, school drop-offs, and all the other tasks required to have a household running smoothly—we do it all even when we KNOW we need to sit for a few minutes to catch our breath. We think—if we don’t do it, then it won’t get done, and by the end of it all, we’re frazzled and reduced to tears of frustration. I want better than that for you hun; that better comes from taking some YOU time and not feeling guilty about it.
How nice would it be to kick up your feet and reward yourself from time to time for all the hard work you do? Trust and believe that the work you leave behind will get done. Our children will finally pick up after themselves and learn a bit of responsibility. Our spouses will not starve (I promise), and they can even try a new dish for us to sample as we soak in the tub. Creating rules and making them known will encourage everyone to abide by them; gone are the days when you have to pull yourself in a million directions, simply asking for help, and setting rules is a form of self-care.
Now I know what you’re thinking—you’re a strong, independent woman, and you don’t need to ask for help but let me tell you that you are so wrong. Being strong and independent does not mean “killing yourself” with ‘woman’s work’. Set your intentions and watch that laundry load magically disappear while you take a much-needed nap.
There are quite a few other things you can do regularly to energize and revitalize your spirit, and here are a few to help you reset, recharge and rejuvenate your well-being.
Start Journaling.
Get yourself a beautiful journal to take care of your emotional well-being. Journaling helps stimulate your thoughts and gives you a clearer perspective on how you analyze and problem solve a situation without making you feel misunderstood or judged. Feeling overwhelmed, you’re thinking about committing a homicide? Listen, we’ve all been there, stay out of jail by journaling your feelings. On a serious note, it does help boost your self-esteem when you write down your feelings, accomplishments, and personal goals. Journaling also helps to track your growth and progress. Go the extra mile and make your environment a tranquil space by lighting scented candles, putting on some soothing music, having a glass of wine (because good wine is life), then exhaling into your journal.
Have a Date night.
Give yourself a break from the kids; it is always a good thing to enjoy some needed time with your significant other; have an intimate dinner for two, a few drinks or cocktails at your favorite bar, or book a hotel room for the night. One-on-one time together is a great way to reconnect.
Give yourself a Digital Detox.
Detoxifying from social media and all forms of screen time for a while is good for your health; you become present in the moment. Focusing on yourself without distractions will have you feeling calmer, happier, and more connected to your inner self. We often complain to the kids that they overindulge in screen time, it is our time to take the same advice and intentionally unplug from all phones, computers, and tablets. Transport yourself back to the 1970s before the internet was a thing; curl up and read a good book, play board games, and puzzles or take a long drive to the beach. Unplugging for a while can do wonders for your well-being.
Take a Weekend Solo Trip.
We love our husband and our kids; we really do, but sometimes we need to take time away from them. A solo trip can revitalize you mentally, improving your focus, so you can better concentrate on yourself; exploring a new place will also do wonders for your emotional health. The much-needed solitude will help you clear your mind, giving you a chance to nurture your needs and become grounded in the present moment.
Get Moving & Shaking.
It’s a great way to reduce your stress and pent-up feelings without saying a word. It is also medically proven that moving releases endorphins that boost our mood—exercise, dance, walk, anything; just move your body! You will feel better, trust me!
Book a Spa day.
Book one of your favorite spa services to help you feel relaxed and renewed, if you prefer to do it at home, make sure you give yourself that personal space to unwind; consider engaging a professional from the comfort of your home; they will know exactly what you need to help you melt that stress away.
It is time to be compassionate and kind to ourselves. Women, we deserve the best, and that sometimes means we have to give ourselves personal space and embrace self-care as a necessity and a need in our everyday life.
Self-care is empowering!…take charge of your life.
Avril Cayenne is a Certified Aesthetician, Master Sugarist, Executive Educator, and Entrepreneur with over Ten years in the Beauty Industry. She is the founder of L’Esthetique De Pierre Sugar Suite, specializing in Body Sugaring and aligned to the international brand, Alexandria Professional. Avril is the first AP Body Sugaring Practitioner in Trinidad & Tobago. Follow her on social media: Facebook: @L’Esthetiuqe De Pierre or Instagram: ldpsugarsuitett.
