A BUSY BABE’S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE
There’s something special about a change in season. It’s a fresh start, and a transition that can inspire positive change and transition in your own life. So, maybe the onset of Fall is stirring up new energy and motivation! But in a year like 2020, that’s been filled with more than its fair share of changes and transitions, sometimes these things might start to feel overwhelming, and that’s okay too.
For our headstrong LIT babes out there, and for those who are constantly hustling and working toward their goals, it may be hard to find time to take a step back. But sometimes, taking a pause for self-care may not be a distraction — it could actually fuel your fire and be key in moving forward. That’s especially true when things get stressful! And that’s why we always say that feeling good is such an important part of living your best LIT life.
We know you’re busy, and a week-long, celebrity-style health and wellness retreat may not fit in your schedule or your budget. But that does NOT mean you can’t take time for self-care and build it into your routine in ways that refuel, recharge and recenter your spirit.
Here are a few of our favorite self-care activities that we love at LIT.
THROW OUT DOWN DAYS WITH A DOWN(WARD) DOG
When there’s a lot going on in your mind, sometimes you need to tap into your body to balance things out. One great way to do that is through yoga.
Not only is yoga a great way to get physically active, but it’s also a great practice for your mental health! Yoga is known for helping decrease stress, improve concentration and improve your mind-body connection. Heading to a local yoga studio is a great way to meet people, and enjoy your practice in a soothing environment that’s away from the stress you may feel in other physical spaces where you live and work. But, if you’d rather practice from home, there are a lot of awesome studios that offer class via Zoom (Barre and Soul is one of our local New England favs with great virtual options!)
If downward dog isn’t your thing, meditation can offer a lot of the same zen and mindfulness. Meditation can help you stay grounded, alleviate stress, and practice being PRESENT so that you can be the best version of yourself. There are tons of free guided meditation resources out there — here’s one that we like! This is a great activity to get you centered before starting the day, or help you unwind and relax before bed.
BREAK FREE FROM THE ENDLESS SCROLL
Speaking of being present… we need to talk about one little thing that can be a big distraction: our smartphones. It’s obvious why we love them, and why for many of us, they’ve basically become an appendage on our hands: they connect us with our social circles, keep us up to date on what’s happening in the world and with the latest trends, and yes… they allow us to follow our crushes and our exes.
But there’s a fine line between the power of connection that we get from our phones, and the potential for this nonstop feed of information to really impact our mental health. Especially when you’re going through a hard time in your personal life, the obsessive scroll may do more harm than good, and keep you living in the stress instead of moving forward.
Don’t freak out, but put the phone away for a big chunk of time each day. We promise, all of those TikToks and Insta stories will still be there when you come back. But disconnecting is so important to keep a clear mind and stay focused — whether you’re at work, spending time with loved ones, or just trying to take some personal time. At LIT, we’re trying out putting our phones away when we arrive at the store, and not checking them for the whole day — not even during our breaks. Our motivation is to create a safe space where we can all be present and have a respite from any stress or challenges we may be facing outside of our stores. Don’t worry — you’ll still get lots of behind-the-scenes content and style tips from our social media, @LITBoutique and @StyledbyLIT!
DO SOMETHING FOR YOU EACH DAY
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, or someone who unwinds best with a nice face mask and a glass of wine, it’s important to find time for yourself each day, even if it’s something small. Take a bubble bath after a long day. Try out journaling to work through your thoughts. Throw on your favorite playlist and go for a five minute walk. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it serves you and leaves you feeling good.
The path to our biggest goals has many little steps, and you need to stay connected to yourself — and to your feelings and progress — along the way. So to all our busy babes out there, don’t let the packed schedule be an excuse. Make sure self-care is part of the schedule.
What’s your favorite kind of self-care? If retail therapy is in your practice, come visit us at our stores or online 24/7! In the meantime, we’ll be here, trying out meditation, group yoga classes, and phone-free blocks with our team.