Self Care 101!

Life can be overwhelming sometimes! I gotchu. Here's a list of easy things you can do when you're feeling stressed, uninspired, or sad.

• Turn on fun music and just DANCE!

  Sometimes you need a break, and listening to music that will boost your mood is a great way to do it. Close your windows and have a solo dance party! Here's a playlist that will make you want to move around. (P.S. Don't quote me on this but Pitbull is one of my personal go-to's...)

• Learn all about bullet journals

  A bullet journal is a cross between a diary and a planner. It's great to help you organize what's happening in your head and also a wonderful creative outlet. I write, plan, and even draw in my bullet journal! Learn how to make one here.

• Take a moment to declutter your environment

  This may sound a bit unconventional, but for me, it's one of the most effective forms of self-care. If I'm sitting on my desk and my surroundings are cluttered, my mind will feel cluttered as well. Take a few minutes to clean up and put everything in its place. A clutter free environment can help your mind feel clutter free as well.

• Take a bath and leave your worries in the tub

  Baths are great for unwinding! I've never stepped out of a tub not feeling relaxed and renewed. You could take a regular bath, OR you could take a luxurious scented fun colored bath with a fun bath bomb. Check out some of my favorites from Lush.

• People-watch when you need a break or change in scenery

  Socialize (even with strangers)! If you're feeling overwhelmed, go to a coffee shop! Being around people can be strangely therapeutic. Here's a list of the 24 best Los Angeles coffee bars.

• Give yourself a massage

  Touch can be seriously soothing. Even applying lotion can help calm you down. If you can't or don't want to get a professional massage, just give yourself one! Here are 11 self-massage tips.

• Find a physical activity you enjoy—anything that will get your endorphins going

  Hot yoga is my personal favorite! Exercise makes your body produce endorphins which can in turn help you feel happier. It may hurt now, but you'll thank me later. Read more about what happens to your brain when you exercise.

• Get in touch with your inner child and PLAY

  This may sound a bit weird, but its surprisingly effective! Coloring books, slime, and fidget toys all have one thing in common- they can help you be more mindful and focus more on the moment and less on stress.

• Have a DIY spa day at home

  It's common knowledge spas are great places to go to unwind. But you don't have to spend lots or even leave the house for the experience! Watch one of my most popular videos on how to give yourself a DIY spa treatment here.

• Treat yourself to something that reminds you of a happy memory

  Whether it's a favorite childhood TV show or the fragrance you wore in high school (scent is a powerful sense for memories), do something that will transport you to a happy place.

• Play calming music on noise cancelling headphones and breathe for the duration of a song

  Self-care can start with something as simple as proper breathing. You can look for breathing exercises on YouTube or simply focus on steadying your breaths to classical or instrumental music. Here's one of my personal favorite playlists!

• Be patient with yourself

  I struggle with this one myself and talk about it with friends a lot. Don’t be too hard on yourself! It may be hard to realize but we really are are our own worst critics. Sometimes it's good to take a step back and remember you're a work in progress and doing the best you can. You'll get to where you want to be. In the meanwhile, be your own #1 fan!

• Start a journal and write in it every day

  Writing down how you feel on a particular day (whether it's good or bad) can help bring you clarity. Journals can also serve as reminders that moods change! For example, reading back about a day you were inspired can help on a day you’re feeling uninspired.

• Allow yourself to feel

  Sometimes the best thing you can do for self-care is allow yourself to feel. It's easy to get carried away with trying to stay strong and trying to feel happy all the time. Remember that without difficult emotions, good ones wouldn’t be as enjoyable! It's part of the human experience to feel and grow from both positive and negative experiences.

• Watch my video about how to care for yourself in 50 simple ways

  If you want more ideas for simple things you can do to nourish your soul, watch my latest YouTube video about self-care.