September is Self-Care Awareness Month.
Anyone else feel like they just can’t catch up?
My new routine is to spend my weekend forcing myself into tasks nearly nonstop. Oh I sat down for five minutes? Better go throw in some laundry. Rearrange the downstairs. Put together Bo’s new table and chairs. Process vegetables. Cook something. Wash dishes. Declutter a closet. Make a roast.
By the end of the day, I’m spent. My weekdays aren’t much different.
My version of self-care is certainly lacking. I’m a do-er, and my own business runs on a certain amount of “fun,” so it’s tough for me to purposefully relax without feeling guilty. Issues, I know.
Here are the things I’m committing to helping me get through the rest of 2020.
9 self-care tips for fall
- Move. I am finally back in a fitness routine that I enjoy. And the shame from my Apple Watch on non-workout days ensures that I at least get up every hour and reminds me to do other stuff (sometimes, though, chasing around the almost 3-year-old does the trick)
- Sleep. I go through stages on this and it has a lot to do with whether or not we’re watching a show. However, I prioritize sleep more than I used to.
- Read. You have to settle this one for me — if you’re not into a book, do you power through (occasionally it is worth it!), or do you quit and read something new? Sometimes I do find coming back to the book I wasn’t quite into can lend a new perspective.
- Nourish. In addition to beans (I’m weirdly obsessed now, debating a bean subscription) and pasta, I add fresh greens to my cart each week. I actually just planted a bunch in my garden for fall — broccoli, kale, lettuce, arugula, spinach, pak choi.
- Enjoy a hobby. Taking a hard look, my hobbies are plants, writing, and cooking. Even though it was a lot of work, my commitment to my garden this year reaped the benefits. My houseplants have been in a time out, and it’s time to refocus my attention on them this winter. The pandemic also gave me the opportunity to spend more time writing here, which I enjoy but wasn’t able to do when we were so busy with in-person events. I’m even considering journaling (or a simple logbook) or perhaps the bones of a future book.
- Treat yourself. This can mean different things for different people. I encourage you to use this opportunity to support your favorite or a new-to-you local business. Support local Black-owned businesses (find a list here), drink local, get yourself some artisan chocolate, this coffee collaboration with La Cultura and Elementary, make a great fall cocktail, shop any of the vendors at the Broad Street Market, buy from women-owned businesses like Meeka Fine Jewelry, Stash x Midtown Dandy, Little Black Dress, Chipmunk Lane (cutest kid clothes), and more.
- Breathe. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or a solo walk around your neighborhood, making time for ourselves is paramount.
- Plan. Now is the time to make in-person (but masked) trips for your goodies. For example, stock up (but don’t hoard) pantry and personal care items for the winter. Consider getting a case of your favorite beverage or even a wine subscription. You can make your own TV/streaming lineup (add Poured in PA to your watchlist), and stock up on board games or puzzles to cozy up with on cold nights.
- Connect. Set up some reminders in your phone to call your parents, set up an old-fashioned phone call with your long-distance BFF, figure out how to have a “date night” at home with your s.o. Without pressure, try to do it with some regularity.
Join us on Facebook or Instagram and let us know how you make time for self-care this season.
