Self-care means something different to everyone. By definition it means: any necessary human regulatory function which is under individual control, deliberate and self-initiated. To me, it means taking time for yourself, with yourself, and doing something that feels good for yourself. This something good, also varies per person, however, the act of self-care holds equal level of importance.
Aside from working out, I want to share the ways I include self-care into my daily regimen. Fitness is a huge part of my life, but I include other acts of body kindness and love into routine, in order to truly take care of my body from inside out. This list compiles my favorite rituals (none of which are sponsored or paid for), but please let me know how you like to practice self-care in the comments below!
BATH TIME
I never used to understand the infatuation with baths, but now I personally couldn’t be more obsessed. To me, a shower feels great to truly cleanse, wash your hair, let the hot water beat on your sore neck or wake yourself up. Baths, on the other hand, do the opposite. They sooth your muscles (in a more gentle way), and send your body off into complete blissful relaxation. Some days, I catch up on Instagram from the tub, other days, I zone out, light candles and play soft music (to be honest, I need to do this version of a bath more often). To take your bath to the next level, add in essential oils, epsom salt, bubbles or a bath bomb. Lavender, Eucalyptus or even spearmint or peppermint can give your body what you need. I love soaking for 20 minutes, as I am not in a rush on weekends or at night – my predetermined bath time. It’s also perfect on non-hair wash days (which for us fit girls, are almost every day right? haha)
ESSENTIAL OILS
I mentioned oils in the tub, but I also love and use oils in more practical manners. Oils are a great holistic health elixir, good for headaches, anxiety, etc. I recommend starting with some basic oils like lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, but its also so fun to shop and test out oils, finding blends you like. There are so many varieties, and experts can help find the right blends for you and your needs. I love placing a bit of lavender oil behind my ears or on my ankles before I go to sleep. Aroma therapy is a very real trend, and it can balance moods, chakras, as well as the smell of meal-prep on Sundays ;).
In terms of other scents to lighten the mood (quite literally), I love candles. Candles may seem like a stretch when it comes to self-care, but candles provide such a warmth to a space, making it more comfortable for everyone in the room.
CHIROPRACTIC AND HOLISTIC CARE
If you’re a frequent gym-goer, there’s nothing I recommend more than a chiropractor. Even more than that, if you look beyond the general chiropractor, and opt for a more holistic wellness center, you’ll find magic. I completely understand how chiropractic isn’t something everyone believes in, but for me personally, its CRITICAL. I’ve been seeing a chiropractor regularly since I was about 13 years old. I’ve mentioned before in my Mother’s Day post how my Mom works at a wellness center, and that closeness created a solid foundation in knowledge and commitment to this form of self-care.
Research local holistic chiropractors in your area, learn more about their methods, and schedule a consult – you have nothing to lose and I guarantee you’ll learn more about your body than expected. If you live in the Greater Philadelphia Area (South Jersey region) I highly recommend Dr. Jesse Liebman. I may seem biased, but he really is the BEST. He is constantly innovating his practice with new technologies and approaches to wellness with something called the Brimhall Wellness, Six Steps to Wellness. The six steps are: Structure, Electrical Pollution, Nutrition, Allergies and Sensitivities, Emotions and Stress and Toxicity. Personally, aside from the amazing hands-on adjustment, I LOVE the emotional adjustments Dr. Liebman offers. It’s amazing that some areas of your body don’t heal themselves, because they are tied to an emotion that you can’t rid yourself of. His solutions for this will honestly blow your mind. They also have a whole other side to their business that offers more aesthetics like facials, body contouring, hair removal and more – incase you want to take your aesthetics to the next level (if you do, say hi to mama!)
As I now can only visit Liebman Wellness Center when I’m home, I found my new little slice of heaven in North Shore, IL. Elite Wellness is all things wellness; from a training gym to physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic. It also offers a la carte options for cryogenic chamber, novothor or even IVs (all of which I’m wanting to try). I see Dr. Sunil, and he offers equal parts chiropractic adjustment and active motion therapy. It is perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle and I find that I genuinely need (and look forward to) his adjustments each week! Beyond the usual chiropractic, Sunil evaluates what I need based on my current pain points. The 30 minute sessions range from cupping, acupuncture, dry needling, stretching and massage (sometimes even with essential oils!). He even gives exercises to practice at home, if you’re working on strengthening a specific joint or part of your body. I highly suggest investing in a foam roller and/or lacrosse ball for tight muscles.
VITAMINS
What was once a young Morgan eating dissolvable fruity vitamins is now a grown woman, taking vitamins that are specific to HER needs. Each day, I take probiotics, digestive enzymes (often between meals, too!) and adrenal pills to combat adrenal fatigue. Vitamins are readily available at your health store or doctor’s office, but do your research first. If you don’t eat dairy, or practice vegetarianism, you will need different vitamins than someone who has no dietary restrictions.
FACE MASKS
During or after my bath, If I really want to step up my spa night game, I add a face mask. There’s nothing I love more than a little pampering, and with some wine, BOOM, you’ve hit the jackpot. I have very dry skin, so I’m really into hydrating masks as well as clarifying and purifying. I love clay masks for eliminating any impurities. Two of my favorites are GlamGlow and Love Lettuce by Lush, but I also love just grabbing new ones at check-out whenever I’m at a beauty store. Let me know what your favorites are, and I would love to try those as well!
UNPLUG
To aid in sleep, which is of course, a huge portion of wellness, I’ve been trying to stay away from my phone before bedtime. This is a goal I’ve set for myself, so I am still working on it, but think it will ultimately help eliminate that restlessness I feel at night. I’m trying to begin reading (a literal book, no technology here!) in bed before I go to sleep. I love the feeling of being cozied up with some nighttime tea (Yogi detox tea is my favorite) and a good, happy book. I’m seriously thinking I need to invest in a tray so I can combine my book and wine in the bath all at once, for the ultimate self-care practice.
Find what makes you feel good, outside of the gym and outside of your usual work day activities. My self-care all revolves around feelings of calmness, solace and solitude. This is where the introvert side of me comes out to play! It feels so incredibly amazing to take care of yourself, and find these “rituals” to practice nightly, weekly or even monthly. How do you practice self-care? And, If you try anything new that I’ve suggested, I would love to hear what you think. Comment below!
