You know the pre-departure safety briefing the flight attendants recite before takeoff? It goes something like, “And if you’re travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask first, and then assist the other person.” Taking care of yourself in order to better care for others is a solid plan, whether it’s on a plane or in everyday life. Whether you’re a mother, wife, daughter, boss or all of the above, take the time to treat yourself throughout the year. Give yourself the opportunity to be recharged, renewed and ready to take care of those in your life who matter the most.
Chocolate Is a Girl’s Best Friend
Leave it to chocolate to make even the worst day turn into rainbows and butterflies. It’s a great afternoon pick-me-up, and you can even share this treat if you’d like (or not). Looking for a new twist on an old friend? Indulge in gourmet delights like chocolate-covered strawberries from FTD.
Sweat It Out
Find your zen in a hot yoga class or go for a jog through a local trail. Get up, get active and release some of those good-for-you endorphins. If it’s difficult finding time out of your day to head to the gym, exercise in your living room, backyard or during your kids’ soccer practice.
Sleep In
The evening before your morning to sleep in, write a little note telling your kids to eat cereal, watch cartoons and only knock on your door if there is an emergency. Then give yourself a morning without an alarm clock jolting you awake. If this is impossible, take a short cat nap during the day and do not feel guilty about it.
Meditate and Reflect
Start meditating — finding a moment to sit in complete silence and focus on your breath is priceless. It clears your mind, relieves stress and is extremely comforting. If meditation is not your style, just find a peaceful moment to reflect on yourself. Before checking in with other’s needs, reflect inward to what your body, soul and mind crave.
Laugh
Laughing is good for the soul. Catch a comedy show or just call your best friend and exchange your most recent “kids say the darnest thing” moments. This is a treat you can overindulge in all you want.
Wine and Dine
Buy yourself a bottle of wine and some expensive, fancy cheese while enjoying an evening of relaxation. You can draw a bath or catch up on your favorite TV shows while enjoying a glass of vino. It’s a great opportunity to try that new recipe you’ve been drooling over or skip the kitchen all together and order your favorite takeout instead.
Go on a Staycation
Although a vacation to an exotic new land is a treat unlike no other, leaving your family, job and other responsibilities behind can be unrealistic. But this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the vacation vibe locally. Book a night at the local resort and enjoy lounging around the pool or a fancy dinner, just like a tourist would.
Playtime
As we care for our families, very often our hobbies get put on the back burner. Treat yourself to a couple of hours doing what you love most. Dust off your scrapbooks that are half-finished, take your standup paddle board out for a ride or get back into your adults softball league. Just like your kids who get playtime, it’s important for adults to get theirs, too.
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