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After a long day at the office, dealing with a broken-down car, paying bills and handling stressful family members, you could use some rest and relaxation. Jotting down items on a self-care shopping list ensures you have what you need at a moment’s notice. Here’s why you should practice self-care and things you should keep on hand.
Self-care is much like refueling your car — you need it when life wears you down, from responsibilities to poor health and a negative mindset. People who practice self-care reduce their anxiety and stress, boost their mood and self-esteem, and are more productive. They also tend to have improved physical health, stronger relationships and better boundaries.
But what is self-care? Researchers define it as caring for oneself through awareness, emotional regulation, and self-sufficiency to maintain optimal well-being. It’s an investment in yourself, allowing you to identify your limitations and prioritize your needs for greater happiness and fulfillment.
Creating a routine for personal safety, health and mental well-being is critical. Fortunately, you can use several tools and resources to help you develop the ultimate daily regimen. When making your self-care shopping list, be sure to add these 10 essential items.
The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser should be at the top of your self-care shopping list. It’s the ultimate way to breathe and relax after a stressful day. Use it in your bedroom, home office or bathroom for hours of zen.
This diffuser has two mist settings — continuous misting for three to four hours or intermittent misting for six to eight hours. It also has a seven-color LED system, allowing you to create the perfect ambience for your mood.
Of course, if you use a diffuser, you’ll need quality essential oils. The PURA D’OR essential oil set is 100% organic and includes 10 popular scents, including lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, sweet orange and lemon.
Fall asleep faster with the Feather & Down Sweet Dream Pillow Spray — a lavender and chamomile aromatherapy blend to calm you after your most stressful days. According to the company, 83% of people who use the spray fall asleep faster than those who don’t. Just a few squirts on your pillow are all you need for a restful night.
Nourish your body with Yogi Tea’s Green Super Antioxidant Tea, formulated to support your health and help remove free radicals — a perfect addition to your daily self-care practice.
Experts suggest brewing it for six to eight minutes for the most antioxidants. However, steeping it for longer increases caffeine by 29%, so avoid drinking it before bed.
Also, you could use a special mug for your tea break, like YouNique Design’s Daily Affirmation Mug. This mug has all the feel-good affirmations you need to get through the day — the perfect self-care companion.
Turmeric helps brighten the skin, beat inflammation and reduce circles, acne and itchiness in skin care products, which is why Healov’s Turmeric Skin Care Set should be on your self-care shopping list. Safe for all skin types, the set comes with turmeric face wash, body scrub, face serum and moisturizer — everything you need to build your skin care routine at home.
Are you looking to enhance your bathtub soaks? The New Miuz Cleansing Sage Moon Milk Bath product is ideal, leaving you with tranquility and silky smooth skin. This product is infused with sage, lavender, chamomile and Himalayan salt for the perfect aura cleanse. Even better, reviews have mentioned the ease of cleaning up since it dissolves completely in warm water.
After a relaxing bath, you’ll want something cozy to step into, such as a fluffy robe. The PAVILIA Premium Women’s Plush Robe comes in 14 colors and has two side pockets for the essentials. The teddy sherpa material is ultra-soft on your skin and lightweight. It’s also long, reaching just above your ankles, and has a waist strap that can be adjusted to fit.
Who said coloring was only for kids? Adult coloring books have become popular as a mindfulness and relaxation self-care tool. This 67-page “mental breakdown” coloring book includes silly images and funny affirmations to make you laugh and boost your mood. For example, pages include things like “screaming is self-care” and “maybe swearing will help.”
L’AGRATY’s Chunky Knit Blanket Throw is an essential cuddle item in your self-care ritual. It is made using a high-quality Chenille yard for ultimate comfort and softness, much like a warm hug. It is also durable and does not shed or pill easily, even when you throw it in the washing machine. However, you should probably put it in a mesh bag and air dry or tumble dry to maintain quality.
There are 12 colors to choose from in various sizes — ideal for curling up on the couch with a good book or giving yourself extra warmth at bedtime.
The Switch Research Emotions Self-Care Journal is not your typical journal for self-care. It is backed by psychology research on emotional regulation and includes techniques proved to work for rebuilding emotional health and relationships with yourself and others.
Customers find this journal easy to use, with attractive illustrations and tools to make journaling more exciting. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques also help you discover self-sabotaging habits and patterns and find a path to overcoming them.
Features include 167 pages of CBT-inspired prompts, a weekly focus for staying on track and plenty of room for writing. You also get access to Switch Research’s private Facebook group to connect with other journalers, receive tips and share your thoughts.
Creating a self-care toolbox is the best way to embrace self-care. After all, you deserve to put yourself first to feel mentally and physically strong. Make a self-care shopping list of everything you need to adopt the ultimate routine for well-being.
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