At the start of 2020, I promised myself to make self-care one of my top priorities for the year. Before 2020, I would find myself being consumed with my career, being a single mother, and trying to create content on a consistent basis. I was definitely lacking time for myself.

Prior to having my second child (Mackenzie, 18 months) I would treat myself to bi-weekly pedicures and manicures at a nail salon. That was my idea of self-care! After she was born, those nail salon visits had to be cut short. I no longer had time to get my nails done bi-weekly and when I did decide to go to the nail salon, it started to feel more like a chore. Often, I was more concerned about the amount of time it would take, and I found myself feeling anxious and unrelaxed. It always felt like I was being rushed and soon self-care was non-existent for me.

I hated the way I was feeling, and I started to feel resentful. I told my therapist about how I was feeling and she let me know that although I was a mother, had a full-time career, I still needed to take time out for myself. She suggested that I schedule some ME TIME! It sounded like an easy fix, but you have to understand I have two daughters who solely depend on me. I definitely had to get creative.

Self-Care Before the Pandemic

At the start of 2020, I started designating Sunday’s as my self-care days. I would put them to bed early, give myself a facial, pedicure, read books, or just spent time alone. Sometimes if I was lucky, their grandmother would take them for the day and I would , do some shopping, watch a movie, or have a spa day. I was being pretty consistent with self-care days until the pandemic hit! All at once, I became a home school teacher, virtual teacher, day care worker, cook, maid and mom all in one– ALL DAY, EVERYDAY!

The feelings of being overwhelmed started to come about again! I enjoyed being home with them, but it was a huge adjustment, since we were pretty much stuck at home. Consequently, I had to get really creative with my self-care days, because just designating one day wasn’t enough! I started to do different things on a daily basis to practice self-care.

Here are a list of things I do to practice daily self care at home:

1. Making my bed. Believe it or not, this simple daily routine, increased my mood and made me feel more put together.
2. Morning Coffee on the Patio. Getting some fresh air in the morning, listening to nature, and a change in scenery set a happy tone for the start of my day.
3. Lighting Candles. I am a true candle lover. A room filled with a pleasant aroma brings me clarity and peace.
4. At-Home workouts. Working out at home is challenging, but I’ve made it fun. I bought, 100 No-Equipment Workouts, to help me switch things up. When I don’t have time to workout, I take the girls on walks in our neighborhood.
5. Finding New Recipes. Since I’ve been stuck at home, I’ve found an interest in making some of my favorite restaurant dishes at home. I have been experimenting in the kitchen, and its so rewarding to cook new dishes that taste GOOD!
6. Gardening. I decided to buy a few houseplants. I also recently landscaped my yard, so I enjoy watering my plants, and watching them grow. It’s an instant mood booster to see plants growing. I still have a love-hate relationship with the bugs–lol!
7. Bubble Baths and Wine. I recently went to Bath and Body Works, and I bought so many goodies. I did a haul on my YouTube Channel. Click here to watch. I bought some aroma therapy bubble bath and I pour myself a glass of wine — I’m good to go! I usually watch my favorite YouTube channels or listen to Pandora Radio —Erykah Badu or Jhene’ Aiko Radio Station.
8. Reading. I’ve always loved to read. As I’ve grown older, I find it harder to take time out to read. I usually designate 30 minutes to an hour to read my favorite books, or read other blogs.
9. Binge Watch TV series. I’ve been really focused on creating content so all of my extra time is put into creating and maintaining my content. I hardly ever watch T.V. After the kids are asleep I watch a T.V. series. I recently finished watching 2 seasons of The Chi on Showtime. It was so good!

How are you practicing self-care during this pandemic? Let me know in the comments!