February 2021: Self-Care Edition of "TREAT YOURSELF"
It’s the FEBRUARY 2021 Edition of “Treat Yourself Because You Deserve It”! We have to take care of ourselves: the basics… and then some.
I don’t need to tell you about how important self-care is; I gave to remind MYSELF that it’s important often, too. And I’m sure you need reminders sometimes as well. It’s easy to tell others that self-care is important, but we neglect doing it for ourselves—- mostly due to our giving nature and the fact that we keep ourselves so busy. We forget what’s necessary sometimes.
Self-care means adequate sleep, drinking enough water, ensuring that we get enough nutrients in our bodies to sustain ourselves, fresh air, exercise, frequent breaks, and more. These are the basics.
This month, I feel that self-care is an opportunity to:
1) Schedule “me time” to think through what we really want for ourselves.
2) Do the basics on an elevated level (adequate sleep PLUS naps, adequate water PLUS fruits, etc.)
3) Treat ourselves.
Let’s talk about the third point right now: treating oneself.
Here are things I treated myself to this month. I don’t feel selfish about it at all. There are so many reasons why I deserve this, but the truth is—- you don’t need a reason to treat yourself. Sometimes society makes us feel that we have to DO something to be deserving of (whatever it is). You don’t need a reason. You just need to care for yourself and treating yourself is one way to do so. I hope you feel worthy. Because you are. x10000.
I hope this little ditty and this February list spark some inspiration in you to treat yourself, too!
“ME” TIME
Time is something that escapes us and, when it does, we can’t get it back. Likewise, we have the opportunity to take control of our time. I sat down on Sunday and gave myself 15 minutes to plan for the month ahead. I started with figuring out how I wanted to feel, then plugged in the things that make me feel the way I want to feel on my schedule. I use this simple Southworth Planner (monthly version) and I devote myself to my time. It works! Try it!
FLOWERS
One of the reasons why I love flowers and plants, especially during the winter months, is it reminds me of being alive. They’re fragrant, colorful, and brighten up the room they’re in. Here’s an arrangement made by a florist at From You Flowers. I also send flowers to friends through the From You Flowers site as they also offer balloons, stuffed animals, gift baskets, chocolate boxes, plants, and more— in addition to beauteous flowers.
HOT CHOCOLATE (REAL HOT CHOCOLATE)
I admit. I am not someone who is gaga over chocolate, but I am when it comes to Arcay Chocolates at La Cosecha in Washington, DC. Arcay Chocolates is a small business founded by master chocolatier, Anabella Arcay. Her chocolates are handmade and absolutely divine. The same goes for her luscious hot chocolate. In the states, we are so used to having hot chocolate made from some sort of powder or syrup. Not at Arcay. Given the times, we decided to buy Arcay Chocolates blocks to make hot chocolate at home. THEY ARE SCRUMPTIOUS! I no longer have to wait to visit Arcay Chocolates to grab a cup of steaming hot sipping chocolate. I can now pour boiled milk over these chocolate blocks in a mug, stir, and let my world just simmer in the deliciousness.
BRUNCH
One thing I really miss is brunching. I miss going to a restaurant on a weekend day (or both), meeting with friends, and sip/nosh for hours while catching up and enjoying the company and good food. Now, I’ve decided to brunch at home, and on any day I choose. In the photo above, I’m noshing on a delicious “Peanut to my Guava” toast (think of it as a leveled-up PB&J) and organic juice cocktail (without alcohol, but it can be made with alcohol). These came from ZUMO at La Cosecha in Washington, DC (now open Tuesday-Sunday mornings/afternoons). I just run in, pick-up my brunch order, and nosh/sip while I work or chat with friends on the phone. Back to brunching!
STAYCATIONS
Staycations are a true stress reliever. I was skeptical about staying at a hotel during this pandemic as I believe people should just stay home. I did my research and found a safe, delightful hotel in Washington DC that boasts rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows (I love light) and is located in the heart of Yards Park. The thing about staying outside of the home is that you’re not able to do laundry, wash dishes, sweep the floor, or wash windows—- which is a good thing when you’re trying to treat yourself and get out of your norm. At this hotel, the Thompson Washington DC, I was able to enjoy the views of Washington DC, watch movies with my husband, get restful sleep, take a long steamy shower, and nosh on room service. Hello, comfort!
