Self-care never used to be a priority of mine. Once I got to college, I realized that I wasn’t taking care of my body in the right ways. Taking care of your body doesn’t only mean going to the gym or eating healthy, although those things are important.
I didn’t realize that brushing my hair, applying body lotion, and washing my face properly were all things I was neglecting to do as part of my daily routine. That was just the beginning.
Since I began prioritizing the little things, I’ve seen a huge difference in my life. I feel less anxious and having a routine has given me something to look forward to on a daily basis. I like holding myself to a higher standard when it comes to my self-care because I never have before.
Even little things like making my bed every morning and applying chapstick before going to bed have given me a better sense of what it means to truly care for yourself. In high school, I didn’t take the time to really care for my body. I didn’t think it was necessary to go above and beyond with a routine. Little did I know that having a routine would help improve my mental health.
Fortunately, I’ve learned just how incredibly important it is to remind yourself that it’s okay to take time to spoil yourself. It’s okay to do a face mask multiple times a week and apply way too much Bath and Body Works lotion after shaving your legs. Caring for yourself should be a priority and I am so glad I chose to make it one.