I wish for everyone to realize the important of self care. Being a little self centered is a good thing. I know personally I am a better mother, wife, friend when I feel at ease and relaxed. Stressed out Jen, with no time for herself is a bit mean actually. I know this about myself, so I try as much as I can to do things for myself. Every week I wish to write an idea of how you can care for yourself. Grand gestures of spa days and all that are nice, but unrealistic on a daily/weekly basis for most of us. 5, 10, 30, 60 minutes is something we can all make time to do.

This week for Self Care Sunday we are talking baths. When I was younger I used to hate them. And I am not talking about when I was 10. I mean like 20. BUUUUUUT I was 20, care free with minimal responsibilities. Not that I didn’t have stress, but I think many of us 25+, mothers, career holders and so on know the difference in stress levels.

Now I love baths.I like the candles, wine, music, book and it all. Soaking until I’m a prune. Sometimes it’s a hard thing to get to as kids can still walk in or be heard fighting downstairs, but I want you to try something. Ask your partner to help. I’m guilty of assuming my husband knows I need to relax and don’t want to be disturbed and get irritated when I am.

So ask for the things you need my friends. Practice saying it with me now “I need some time to myself, could you help me out and keep the kids from coming into the bathroom or knocking on the door?” See, it’s not that hard is it? This way your intention is clear and you can relax as much as possible.

A few extra tips for helping you get the most self-care of your bath:

Light some candles: Go ahead and buy yourself that candle that smells like glorious sweet vanilla or pumpkin spice or whatever you jam is. Heck even buy some simple tea lights.
Music: I have a portable speaker I use, or sometimes I just have my phone on youtube to mediation music next to the tub.
Wine, beer, water: Have something nearby to drink, (especially if you are like me and like you’re baths so hot you skin turns a bit pink.)
Reading material: Grab your favourite trashy magazine or book you’ve been reading.
Epsom Salts – These are a beautiful way to relax sore muscles in the hot water. Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) is a known muscle relaxer. I have this wonderful one from Rocky Mountain Soap Company. Their Sport Bath Salt is delicious with the Lemongrass and Rosemary.
DON’T ANSWER YOUR PHONE. Commit to the 30, 60, 90 minutes or whatever that you will not look at your phone. You don’t need to wind yourself up looking at things on social media or emails that potentially disrupt your zen.

Plan a day this week, or next Sunday to have a bath. Put it in your phone schedule or write it on the calendar. BATH NIGHT. Knowing that when someone asks you to do something you have plans to take care of yourself. Also setting yourself up to chat with your partner about helping you out and having that time alone.

Be well and take care.

Love,