An Easy Self Care Routine

Creating a Self Care Routine is necessary for positive mental health. We think there's no time, but it actually helps us be more productive!

I have always been the world's worst about taking care of myself. I got married at 19, I had my first kid at 20, and therefore I have never really taken care of just myself. Once I had kids it all became about their schedules. But my kids are getting older, I now play the role of a taxi cab driver, and something just hit me the other day. My husband and I were talking about how I will only be 43 when my youngest graduates high school. That's pretty stinking young! I mean it's not young to my kids who think 34 is an "oldie", but in all reality it's young, and the importance of a Self Care Routine became very apparent.

I realized I don't want to be unhappy with myself anymore. So at some point this year I decided I'm going to start taking care of myself, and I'm not going to feel guilty about it either! I hope today's post will inspire you to do the same if it's something that's been on your mind lately, and that you will see it's really not that difficult, and no matter what we tell ourselves - we DO have the time!

Skincare Self Care Routine

As I said, I'm 34 years old. To be honest, I don't wear make-up daily, and I also never used to wash my face daily. But as I'm getting away from my early thirties I've noticed a change in my skin. My skin just isn't the way it was in my 20's.

Let's take a look at my before picture. I took this picture about a month ago right before I started my new routine. I took all the progress photos (with my iPhone) in the same location, same time of day, and there's zero editing so you can see the actual results!

Before:

Skincare Regimen

First things first about skincare. Not every product is right for everyone's skin. I spoke with my consultant about what was right for my skin to make sure I was using the proper products.

I will walk you through what I'm using for my oil/combination skin type.

Face Wash

The first step of my new skincare routine is the Agent Nateur Brightening Facewash that helps reveal a radiant glow as a gentle exfoliant that is formulated to revive all skin types without irritation. This brightening daily cleanser is infused with premium organic ingredients that brighten dull skin, refine texture, and reduce the appearance of imperfections. A unique formula that contains a lavender flower water base to soothe inflammation and leave skin silky, supple, and youthful. I absolutely love how this facewash feels! It doesn't feel heavy or oily, yet my skin feels clean and refreshed!

Skin Regimen

After I finish with the Brightening Cleanser I go through the 3-step regimen of the holi (trinity). It includes holi (water) which is a hydrating toner that exfoliates, plumps, tightens, and brightens the skin. Also included is holi (c), which is a powder-based serum that helps brighten, tighten, even out skin tone, and minimizes the appearance of scars, acne, and rosacea. And the last step is the holi (oil) that evens out skin tone and minimizes redness, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. This whole set is making such a difference in how my skin feels!

Eye Care

I've always been prone to dark circles and puffiness under my eyes. The holi (glow) has drastically reduced both of these issues. This is the last thing I apply before going to bed and when I wake up my skin feels hydrated but not oily. That has always been my issue with any products for my skin - not being able to reach the hydrated/non-oily combination!

Self Care Routine Results

Overall, I noticed a more even skin tone, reduced puffiness around my eyes, and my skin is more bright with a smoother appearance. Most exciting to me is my oiliness has balanced out. Here's a look at the progress side by side! One other change I did make was drinking more water! I'm terrible about drinking the proper amount so I've been trying to hit that goal daily!

Before || Two Weeks || 4 Weeks

SHOP MY SKINCARE ROUTINE:

Face Wash || Toner, Vitamin C, & Face Serum Set || Eye Serum
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Exercise

About 2 months ago I decided to get back into working out. I haven't been doing anything too intense and started following Kayla Istines Program on the Sweat App (the beginner one ;)). It's been a great way for me to ease back into working out and I'm definitely feeling the difference in my energy level! I wasn't losing much up until this week where I'm finally noticing a difference in my appearance. Overall though I'm feeling my endurance improve, my flexibility increase and that feeling of always feeling tired is subsiding!

Reading

If I'm being totally honest I was never much of a reader. I always avoided it in high school and to be honest didn't read a full book since Twilight came out! 😉 I forget who got me to read those books, but I believe it when I was nursing one of my kids and I spent a lot of time on the couch, hah! But all that changed last year when the quarantine's started and my best friend inspired me to read! She reads I dunno... like a million books a year so it finally rubbed off.

Reading for Self-Care

All that to say, I think sometimes it's hard for adults to sit down and take a moment for themselves. There is always responsibility and tasks looming over us and sometimes it feels selfish to sit on the couch and read a book. Well, it's not selfish. In fact it's necessary. It doesn't necessarily have to be reading, but find something you enjoy and give yourself the time to do it! Your family will thank you, you will be happier, and maybe that load of clothes doesn't get folded, but it will eventually! So, here are a few of my favorite reads from the last year. I mean I didn't read as many as my friend, but probably more than my entire adulthood!

Where the Crawdads Sing | The Tattooist of Auschwitz | Where'd You Go Bernadette | Bridgerton | Me Before You | Little Fires Everywhere | The Girl You Left Behind | Firefly Lane | The Lost Apothecary

The first 6 books, I've actually read and LOVED every one! My favorite was by far Where the Crawdads Sing. It was just SO good! I just started The Girl You Left Behind, and Firefly Lane is next on my list. I got totally sucked into that show and binged it in a few days, and since the books are almost always better than the show I can't wait to read it! So we shall have to wait and see how that turns out! It sounded quite interesting, if you happen to read it, let me know! Now grab yourself a facemask, a good book, and kick up your feet!

The Importance of Self Care

I know today's post isn't my usual home tour post, or DIY Project, but it's something that carries a heavy weight! A Self Care Routine is not only a necessary, healthy need that everyone has. But I've found that by taking care of myself, somehow I have more time to do the things I always feared I wouldn't be able to keep on my schedule! So I encourage everyone to take care of their mind, body, and skin! These are the things we are with the most in life ;)!