I feel like it is a very millennial thing to actively carve out time to “self-care.” What does self-care mean exactly? It’s really up to you! It could mean an hour spent with a good book and a sweet-smelling bath bomb or a massage, meditation or even a jog around the block. Self-care basically consists of a chunk of time to help you reset and recharge. I’m sharing one way I like to “self-care” below and I’m also chatting about this lovely linen dress (that’s on sale for 40% off and has nothing to do with the topic … but hey!)
Before I dive into my story on my recent experience with self-care, I wanted to share this little linen dress with y’all! It’s from the brand WAYF and is on sale for $47 (originally $79) at Nordstrom right now. This neutral dress is just begging to be styled and accessorized. I think it works for date night, as a beach coverup and even for a casual day with summer sandals. I played off the neutrals and styled it with cork & bamboo accessories for a sweet spring look.
Shop the Look:
After our trip to Oregon this past weekend, I hit the ground running on Monday trying to do a billion different things. Catching up on the time lost on vacation, catching up on e-mails, work-related things, the house, unpacking, making sure Annie was entertained & etc. While traveling should be (and can be) relaxing, the way we sometimes travel is anything but. But that’s how we like it! Trying to fit in as many new sights as possible with a bit of adventure here and there – it’s the best!
But throw in a toddler to the mix, and you’ll experience a new level of exhaustion post getaway you never knew existed. Especially if said toddler didn’t nap on the four-hour flight home. Not to complain one single bit, our trip was ahhhhmazing and I wouldn’t trade anything to travel with Patrick & Annie! But I guess I just didn’t realize how much I needed to relax and reset after our little adventure.
So come Tuesday morning, after my jam-packed Monday, I just let myself have a day off. I woke up with every intention to do Tuesday the same way I did Monday. But then I turned on the TV. And found a TV show about mermaids. YEP mermaids. (Ps: Siren on Freeform is the beeeest!) And I was sucked in. And suddenly four hours later I had seen half the season. It really is unlike me to just throw all of my tasks aside for half the day and let myself just sit and mindlessly binge. (Annie napped during + played with her toys nearby … I think she needed the break too!)
I gave myself a bit of grief about it – knowing there were so many other things I should be doing. But then it boiled down to this: we are entitled to take a break every so often! (Most of the time I choose to relax with a good book, but the TV totally sufficed yesterday.) And recharging is different for everyone. Whether it be a 15-minute face mask, a long soak in the tub, or several episodes of a show that sucks you away from reality for a while. Waking up today, I felt 1,000 times more invigorated and ready to hit the ground running after giving myself some time off yesterday. How do you carve out time for yourself to reset & recharge? And what is your favorite way to do so!?
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xo, alice
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photos by Ban Avenue