Self-Care Tips for the Over-Achiever

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This blog post is for anyone who always goes the extra mile, doesn’t rest until the job is done, and puts their ALL into everything they do. Bravo to you for giving it 100%!

This is a gentle reminder to practice self-care, so that you can remain in a position to perform at your best in order to accomplish your tasks. If you are running on a low battery, you are not doing yourself or anyone else any favors. You are likely running around tired and grumpy, which only puts everyone else in a bad mood too. You’ve heard, “Misery loves Company?”- well, it’s true.

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My advice to you: Don’t let the stress build up. Practice small self-care steps daily. I’m giving you a peek into my bathroom cabinet to share some self-care tips that have been helpful to me.

Imagine this: appealing to all five senses with relaxation - sight, sound, taste, touch, smell. If you are an over-achiever like me, you may want to try them all together in a relaxing bath! Let’s go HARD with this Relaxation thing! Or, you can take what works for you and add what fits your preferences.

Getting Started: Well, first you have to decide you are all-in with making time for self-care and relaxation as part of your lifestyle. If you are a planner, plan for it! Put it on your calendar as an appointment with yourself. Practice it so much that it becomes a habit.

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InCenSe sticks

  • Burning incense promotes clarity and helps in developing a state of complete awareness. Monks recognized this benefit of incense long ago and use it during their meditation to clear the air as well as their thoughts. And look at how peaceful they are! I want some of that!

  • Certain incense aromas work to slow down the heart-rate and soothe nerves. These calming effects help to relieve anxiety and built up tension in the muscles.

  • Choose “grounding” scents like Sandalwood, Frankincense, or my personal favorite- Nag Champa.

Epsom Salt

  • Soaking in a bath of Epsom salts can naturally increase your internal magnesium levels. Magnesium is critical to the production of energy in cells, leaving you feeling revived.

  • Epson salt is a natural detox. The sulfates in Epsom salt assist the body in flushing out toxins. Simply soaking in a hot bath with 2-3 cups of dissolved Epsom salt can assist in removing harmful impurities from your body in about 10-15 minutes.

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Lavender oil

  • Its calming and sedative properties make Lavender Essential Oil perfect for relaxing, fighting stress and promoting sleep. Lavender oil also has been known to alleviate headaches, lessen depression, and even acts a natural antioxidant.

  • You don’t have to spend a fortune on essential oils, although I’m no expert and there are certainly higher grade formulas that are available. I found the brand pictured above for around $6 at Walmart.

Candles

  • Candles set the mood for relaxation and can transform any room into a peaceful haven. I keep multiple candles in every room, so that I can relax no matter what I’m doing.

  • Bonus points for lavender or other relaxing candle scents you may choose! I have found a nice variety of scented (and affordable!) candles at TJ Maxx.

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kava tea

  • Kava affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. For centuries, Pacific Islanders have used kava as a medicinal plant because of its sedative, anesthetic, euphoriant, and psychotropic properties. 

  • Drinking kava is associated with improving attitude/mood, relaxing the body, and increasing mental clarity.

  • My favorite brand is Yogi Kava Stress Relief Tea, which can be found at most grocery and health food stores. I love the flavor, plus it comes with an inspirational quote on each tea tag. The one pictured above says, “You don’t need love, you are the love.”

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music playlistS

  • Music can instantly change your mood. Since you have many moods, it is good to have a variety of music playlists.

  • I created a couple of playlists for more upbeat relaxing music and some for more chill relaxing music. I like Apple Music because I can select a playlist by mood and discover new artists.

Almost every night, I take a hot bubble bath with epsom salt, burn incense sticks and candles, and play my favorite tunes. I put drops of lavender essential oil on my pillowcase. I sip kava tea before bedtime.

I make creating a relaxing environment for myself a priority. You can do it, too! I’d love to hear your self-care tips in the comments below.

Disclaimer: If you are taking prescription medications, pregnant, breast-feeding, or have allergies, ask your doctor if these recommendations are right for you, especially ingesting kava tea.. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These product recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This is not an ad or sponsored post. Opinions are my own.

Sources:
10 Physical and Psychological Benefits Of Burning Incense; Epsom Salt — The Magnesium-Rich, Detoxifying Pain Reliever; 10 Lavender Oil Benefits for Both Major Diseases & Minor Ailments; Yogi Kava Stress Relief® tea; Yogi Tea and Kava for Stress

 
Karma, WellnessGeorgia Crossself care, work life balanceComment