10 Enjoyable Self Care Ideas

It is obviously so important to take care of yourself. And while I do believe boudoir is the most fun way, I also know that some client need to save up for shoot. That being said, I thought I would take the opportunity to give y'all a list of affordable self care ideas ideas while you are saving up for your confidence-boosting, St. Cloud boudoir session! (Also, for those of you that don't know, we have zero-interest, in-house payment plans available).

These ideas will not apply to everyone, but they are all things that I enjoy doing, so maybe you might too!

1. Gardening

   I know not everyone has a green thumb, or the space to have a big elaborate garden, but I literally just started with a pot on my porch when we lived in an apartment in St. Joe. Now, I will say I literally did no research on what plants would do best in a pot, or how to properly fertilize them.

   I did what I do when I get excited about something - immediately purchase a pot, some dirt, and a peony plant because I saw it at Menards and loved it lol No, it did not survive the summer, but ya girl tried!

   Now, my plants are my babies and I try to learn as much as I possibly can BEFORE starting my garden plans for the year. I know, we've matured! Highly recommend getting some flowers in a little pot if you haven't done it before. In my experience, geraniums are basically unkillable, until, you know, the winter comes!

2. A Good, Old-fashioned Candle-lit bath

   Yes, I know how this sounds. BUT before you come at me, I already threw a summer-long project at you with the gardening. A bath is much more short term! ANYWAY, I LOVE a good bath. I light my favorite lavender-scented candles, toss some epsom salts and essential oils in the hot water, and then play some quiet music while I read a book. And SOMETIMES, I treat myself to a glass of red wine, or an iced coffee (depending on the time of day). This is the way to an immediate drop in cortisol levels - Trust me.

3. Exercise

   This one is going to look different for everyone, but here's what it looks like for me in this season of life: Yoga, light weights, and walks (whenever my daughter permits it lol)

   I love yoga, specifically Yoga Flow or Slow Flow Yoga because it focuses on incorporating breathing with movement. You FOCUS on your breath first. Here's why that's important: Whenever your sympathetic nervous system changes (the fight or flight part of your brain), the first thing that triggers it is your breath. If you can bring attention to your breath, and focus on deep, calm, intentional breaths, you can essentially yeet all the anxiety right out of your body. You can find yoda videos on youtube, or find a class near you. I personally love the classes at the YMCA!

4. Find a Creative Hobby

   This is another one that could be so different for everyone. I have tried quite a few over the years, and here are my favorites: Acrylic painting, knitting, sewing, crocheting, and scrapbooking. Yes, these hobbies do make me sound like I'm a million years old, but they are so satisfying to complete and you can't tell me any different! I can't say that I'm "good" at any of these things, but I do think it's fun to try new things!

5. Baking

   Y'all, there is something special about baking. To put work into something yummy and be able to enjoy it later is SO fun! I started baking cookies at a young age with my mom, and now I'm just out here teaching myself how to make scones and croissants like an absolute savage. You can teach yourself how to do anything with a little patience, and youtube ;)

   Do not follow me if you are looking for sourdough, though. Sourdough and I are NOT friends LOL

6. Reading

   Since college, getting back into reading has been so hard for me! I walk into Barnes & Noble, hoping to find THE book, and I get overwhelmed and walk out with nothing.... I know I can't be the only one! That being said, I pop onto Facebook and Instagram looking for recommendations quite often. And for the most part, the readers in your life LOVE recommending new books!

   The other way I have found books I adore is just by focusing on a genre, googling it and then finding a book that matches the vibe you want!

7. Find Something Funny to Watch

   Laughing is SO important for mind, body and soul. Fun fact, it can actually lower your heart rate and blood pressure for up to 45 minutes later!

   What you find funny could be very different from the next person, but you can find all kinds of comedy themed movies on Netflix, Hulu, etc. Personally, my husband and I love sitting down with a bowl of popcorn on Monday nights to watch Kill Tony on Youtube. A fair warning: The types of stand up comedians vary widely as it's a podcast giving comedians a platform to perform a 60-second set. Cringey sets happen, but the funny ones are totally worth it!

8. Journaling

   If you aren't a "Dear Diary" type person, that's okay! Journaling can be whatever you need it to be. I use it was a way to express my feelings when they get a little overwhelming. There's everything from "I had a bad day at work" to "OMG I'm pregnant" in that journal. I do think it's important for general maintenance too. If you are having a hard time figuring out where to start, find a cute little notebook and a cute little pen, and search for some prompts online. It may SEEM like it's nothing, but it can really take the weight off your shoulder over time if you stick with it.

9. Get Together with a Friend or Family Member

   With live in such a weird time. You can get a hold of anyone, almost immediately through numerous social channels, but it's not a real, authentic connection. Humans NEED genuine connection to survive, and I do think it's a major component to deteriorating mental health today.

   So if you are feeling icky after a day or endless scrolling, call your bestie, your mom, your neighbor, whoever, and go get a coffee and chat with them for an hour. I've started intentionally getting together with people and it's made such a big difference on how I feel on a day-to-day basis.

10. Pray or meditate

    This one is new to me as my family just recently started going to church, but I have found it useful. There is something comforting about knowing you can bring all your troubles and worries to the Lord, knowing he will take care of them, one way or another.

    But if that isn't your cup of tea, that's okay too. Meditating is also a useful practice, and can also help clear your mind in a when it's in an elevated state. Again, that's why I love yoga. It's easier for me to meditate when I am focusing on my breath and movement, rather than sitting still, criss-cross applesauce on the floor with a laughing baby running circles around me. Personal preference, but a useful tool nonetheless!

If you've stuck around to the end, thank you! I hope this list helps you with your self care needs leading up to your session. If you ever need anymore ideas, shoot me a message! Self care and confidence are the main drivers of my boudoir business and I want to do what I can to help!

In the event that you are ready to schedule a session, click this link to begin the process with a consultation. We'll talk about the vibes you are looking for, how to prepare, as well as schedule the session together.

Can't wait to chat with you!