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Fabulous living

Self Care in Daily Routines

Hey guys!

Itā€™s Novemberā€¦these next few weeks are a weird for me, Iā€™m not ready to get ready for Christmas, but itā€™s almost getting too cold for fall fun.That means these next few weeks call for curling up and staying inside and enjoying indoor activities, whether it’s reading watching shows or doing something creative.

One thing Iā€™ve gotten better with over the last year is finding hobbies/forms of self-care and sticking with them. At the end of 2020, I wanted to prioritze my hobbies in the upcoming year of 2021. Yes, I enjoyed reading and blogging and exercise, but I wanted to make sure I was taking the time to incorporate my hobbies in my daily life. 

All through our lives, we spend a lot of time taking care of others, whether itā€™s feeding or taking care of our families, checking in on our dear friends, or putting in long hours at work, we do a lot for others, which is why we need to make time for ourselves. 

Self care on a day off looks like long walks.

Whether itā€™s waking up early before the day gets started to spend some quiet time with God, or making time for ourselves in the afternoon or taking a bath before bed. Giving ourselves some time will make us be better people to care for others.

When I realized I wanted to start building my hobbies in my daily routine, I first made a to do list of hobbies I wanted to do every day and was happy if I just got them done through the course of the day, no matter if it was in the morning or afternoon.

However, I quickly found that the day would get busy and get away from me and as a result, I wouldnā€™t have time to take care of myself or enjoy my hobbies. I wanted to make time but I couldnā€™t find the timeā€¦until I realized I needed to schedule time for my “me time” or hobbies in my day. After I did that, I found myself enjoying my hobbies and still getting everything accomplished in the day.

I always start my day with a 5 minute meditation.

Hereā€™s how I did it:

My daily ā€œme timeā€/hobbies include: going to the gym, journaling and prayer time, meditation, reading my favorite blogs/checking my own blog, reading a bit and a word search.

Reading a book allows me to relax before I start a busy day.

I first just wanted to get them all done in a day, but then I realized if I did my “me time” in the morning then I would start my day on the right foot and I would be less stressed as the day went on.

My morning now looks like me waking up and journaling, praying/meditation, reading my blogs, getting ready for the day and then reading a few pages/chapter (depending on the time) of whatever book Iā€™m reading and then do a word search for a few minutes. I started doing them a few months back and I have been on a streak about doing a little bit of a word search every day. It relaxes me and keeps my mind sharp.

I word search I just finished.

I get all my me time done in the morning so then when I get home from work, I can get things done, enjoy family time and unwind and I know I got all my “me time” done in the morning. The time it takes me to do everything varies based on what I have to get done for the day. But it typically ranges from the momentI wake up until the moment Iā€™m out the door about an hour (itā€™s longer if I have a longer workout. But one hour to an hour and a half makes a huge difference in my day.

Thatā€™s my way that I practice self care. No matter what your self care or hobbies look like to do, itā€™s so crucial you get some time in your day.

How do you practice self-care and incorporate it in your life?

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Currently #22

Hey guys! We are almost to my favorite time of year; all the holidaysā€¦from Halloween to Thanksgiving and rounding things off with Christmas! I love this time of year. I have been embracing the fall with all the leaves and the cooler temps. Hereā€™s a look into what Iā€™m currently into. 

What Iā€™m up to:  Iā€™ve been enjoying all the fall activities, Iā€™ve been trying to go on long walks every week. Whether itā€™s near or far, I love a good walk. To read about some of my favorite walks, check out my latest post. Iā€™ve also been spending lots of time with family. Iā€™m also slowly getting ready for the holidays by decorating for Halloween and fall! 

A rainy day and a nice walk was the perfect combination for a Friday

What Iā€™m wearing:Ā I hate to say it, but my wardrobe hasnā€™t been too exciting. Iā€™ve been wearing hoodies and sweaters and jeans on days off. For work days, Itā€™s been a mix of long sleeve dresses and pants with blazers too. Layers has been key when it feels like winter in the morning but summer by the afternoon.Ā 

Jacket in the morning…
Not needed by the afternoon…hello fall weather!
Long sleeves and straight hair for cooler mornings on the desk

What Iā€™m reading:Ā Reading every morning has been the best way to start my days. I really enjoyed The Silent Patient, it was the perfect mix of a mystery and a psychological thriller.

Here’s what I started my month with.

For romantic mystery, What if You and Me was a great pick. Thereā€™s also a spooky twist to it, which makes it perfect for Halloween.

Another cute one story with a cute twist

I just finished reading The Last Mona Lisa, it was one of the best books I read in a long time. I loved the historical mystery and the two different time period parallels.

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time.

Iā€™m currently reading, Nantucket Threads, which is a summer beach read, itā€™s definitely lighter compared to my past few reads.Ā 

What Iā€™m Watching: Besides my weekly shows like Greyā€™s Anatomy and A Million Little Things, Iā€™ve been watching Community, which is perfect to watch in the mornings when Iā€™m getting ready or at night if I want to watch something to unwind. The all-star cast makes it so fun to watch! Iā€™m also on the to watch season 3 of You on Netflix. Iā€™m hooked on it. 

What Iā€™m Loving: Iā€™ve been loving fall walks, seeing the leaves falling, doing lots of  reading and warm mornings and nights. I have been starting my mornings between the gym and work by lighting a candle and sipping some hot cider while I get ready for the day. I do some reading and meditating before I head out the door. Itā€™s the best way to start the day. 

Another fall walk in the books.

What Inspires Me: Iā€™ve been inspired by the slow and steady of daily life mind you, not every day is slow and calm, I have plenty of busy days but I savor the calm ones. Iā€™ve also been doing lots of baking to which satisfies a sweet tooth and it gives my family a sweet treat to enjoy.

A fall trail mix on a day off

What I accomplished:Ā Iā€™ve been getting things done on my fall bucket list, from walks to fall treats, cider, and cozy nights in. Iā€™ll be sharing my full bucket list recap in the coming weeks.Ā 

Fall pumpkins for some pretty decorations.

Goals Accomplished from Last Month Iā€™ve done a good job at slowing down. After a busy summer of travel, itā€™s been nice to have more lowkey days off. Last week, I spent the day reading, watching some shows, baking, meal prepping and running a few fun errands. It was the perfect mix of balance on a day off.  

First Time making s’mores cookies,

Goals for the New Month: Did someone say holidays?! I canā€™t wait to start getting ready for the holidays, between gift giving, seeing family, treats and decoratingā€¦.I canā€™t wait

Thatā€™s a look into the past month. What have you accomplished in the past few weeks?