Five small acts of self-care
Recently, I attended an all-day event wearing the highest, most expensive heels I have. (I wanted to impress everyone with my look.)
At the end of the evening, the cocktail reception had no chairs. None. I absolutely had to stand.
Hell, right? Well, not really. I’d invested in a little something that gave me happy feet!
What was it? Something small that made a big difference: insoles for my heels.
Normally, I wouldn’t think to take care of myself in this way. But I am SO glad I did — it was an act of self-love that was proof to myself and my body that I deserve to be taken care of.
And don’t we normally shortchange ourselves? We put our needs last, justifying to ourselves, “I’ll be OK ... I don’t need that extra thing that will make my life easier.”
What small, seemingly unimportant additions can you add to your life, starting now? Some suggestions:
1. Buy yourself flowers
Don’t wait for your birthday, an S.O. or a Valentine’s Day cliché to come around. The other day, a friend gifted me some beautiful pink peonies when she came over for dinner, and I smile every time I look at them. I’m gonna get more once these one wilt. Just for me, baby.
2. Take a day off midweek for no reason
I’m actually writing this poolside. No friends. No emails. Just me and my words. Because I’m worth it, and so are you. What will you do — visit a museum? Hit up a movie or a mall? The options are endless (and during the week, everything is waaaayyyy quieter too). Bliss!
3. Spend a little extra for the quality option
I know organic blueberries are $2 more. But I just feel better when I eat them. What can you upgrade — even in a small way — that will nourish that hard-working body of yours? If your default option is the cheapest thing, pause the next time you’re picking up berries or veggies, and choose one thing to invest more in that’ll satisfy you the most.
4. Hug yourself
This sounds weird — I get it. But when a friend of mine recently quit a job he hated, he was riding in that corporate elevator for the last time, and he put his arms around his shoulders and said, “Good move, Michael.” It’s a nicer, self-applied version of a pat on the back. Try it!
5. Take five for you
In the morning, if you have no ritual (that’s totally cool!), you can still take five for you. Watch an uplifting exercise video designed to deliver you an amazing day. Don’t knock it till you rock it — at least once!
What can you do to give yourself a little love today? Because you — yes, YOU — matter.
Susie Moore is a life coach columnist and a confidence coach in New York City.