Hey guys!

How’s your week? Mine has been so BUSY (perfect timing for today’s post) and I couldn’t be more excited about it almost being Friday because TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY!

I thought about taking the day off from work, but since we were gone an entire week last month, I decided against it. I don’t think I’ve ever treated my birthday like a holiday – it’s just a day. I think the hubby is going to pick up take-out (probably a Mellow Mushroom pizza!) and we will just relax like we do on most Friday nights. #nottooshabby

I was going to get all deep and write about turning 33 and how I’m actually kind of cool with aging (I mean, it’s not like I can help it!) but instead I thought I’d go with the busy theme and talk about self-care.

How is it even possible to make time for self-care when I’m either asleep, taking care of Bazooka, driving to or from work, or sitting at work? I feel like I have 2.7 seconds to myself, and I know it’s even harder for my husband who does 99% of the cooking and is tasked with daycare drop-off/pick-up since his schedule is more lenient.

But self-care is ESSENTIAL for our sanity.

Even if I can’t visit the spa every month or schedule a quiet getaway anytime I please, I have been enjoying the little things.

How to Practice Self-care When You’re Busy

Create your own “spa experience”

I don’t know about you, but I can think of a billion other ways to spend $50 dollars than a mani-pedi or facial. It’s not that I don’t enjoy those things, but I just can’t justify the cost. I can, however, do those things at home, so I’ve found myself retreating into a little “self care bubble” so I can paint my nails or take care of my skin.

Maple Holistics sent me this Ancient Clay mask, and while I don’t usually stray from my Neutrogena face wash, I enjoyed using the mask.

It blends into a really smooth paste (just use 1 part powder to 2 parts water). While it did start itching when I left it on for the recommended 10 minutes, I could tell it was doing some major detoxifying.

I’ll keep using it, but I’ll probably just leave it on 5-6 minutes to avoid over-drying my skin.

Spend time outdoors

Whether you take your workouts outdoors or sneak away for a quick 20 minute walk on your lunch break, GET OUTSIDE!

Fresh air is incredibly rejuvenating, and when you’re staring at a computer screen all day like I do, it can turn a sour mood into a happy one.

Vitamin D = my favorite therapy!

Start a journal

On second thought, I think writing may be my favorite form of therapy!

This blog is one of the ways I take care of myself, but I want to start journaling privately again. All it takes is some extra mindfulness and a few minutes of time! Instead of scrolling through Instagram in the morning or at lunch, pick up a pen!

Get lost in a good book

If I’m not walking during my lunch break, you can bet I’ll be reading.

When life is stressful, there is just something about getting lost in a story while curling up on the couch, dog in lap.

Although, if you want to really relax, maybe you should stay away from dystopian novels 😉

Treat yourself!

I believe that decluttering and giving to others can help reduce the anxiety caused by having TOO MUCH, but every once in a while, I like to treat myself to something I wouldn’t ordinarily buy myself.

Hence why I scheduled a birthday week Stitch Fix!*

There’s something exciting about getting a package in the mail, and I love how the attention to detail (cute packaging + personal note from my stylist) makes it even more special.

My stylist did such a great job this time that I’m planning to keep everything in my fix. I’ll be sure to share details later.

Simple #selfcare tips for the #busy lifestyle. @mapleholistics @stitchfix Share on X

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[linking up for thinking out loud]

So tell me…

• What are your *simple* self-care tips?
• Do you struggle with mindfulness?