Self Care Isn't Selfish: Vol. 2

International Self Care Day was a couple weeks ago (July 24), and it got my wheels turning about what I've been doing for myself lately as self care. We all need validation that sometimes it's ok to have simply survived the day. Read on for my recent thoughts on managing my anxiety, taking care of myself, and not feeling bad about it.

(inside Apple and Oak, Nashville)

It's so easy to get wrapped up in worrying about what others think. We work so hard to seem busy, to seem important, to seem indispensable. But at what cost? Listen, friends, I'm here to tell you that there are some days it's a success story that I simply survive. No thriving. Just getting by with the bare necessities. Life is freaking hard. Adulthood is hard. I know from my friends that marriage and kids are hard. Consider this your free pass to not thrive every single day. I truly don't think we're even built for thriving every day. My anxiety is one little piece of me that has the ability to stumble me up and keep me from thriving. Below are ten things I'm doing to manage it and live better - unapologetically. Because if I'm not at my best for me, I can't be at my best for anyone else.

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(inside Cannonborough Collective, Charleston)

one. MAKE MY BED

If the rest of my house is a wreck this is the one thing that can simmer my anxiety and help me put things in perspective. Such a simple goal but it makes a huge impact for me.

two. LIMIT CAFFEINE
I've mentioned before on my blog that paying attention to what your body is trying to tell you is so important. When my caffeine intake is exceptionally high in a day, my anxiety is too.

three. DON'T PROCRASTINATE
Some people thrive in this space - I am not one of those people. Putting anything off until the last minute messes with everything else in my life.

four. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Tell someone how much you appreciate them. Express your genuine feelings. Keep it in journal. Whatever suits your personality best just put these feelings out into the universe in some way.

five. RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

Not only does this fill me with happiness, it starts a cycle of positive emotions that help keep my anxiety in check.

six. THERAPY

Every other week, just like clockwork. My therapist rescued me in one of the darkest times of my life, and now seeing her is a wellness practice just like going to any other doctor.

seven. COLORING

This has always been a huge stress reliever for me. I thought it was weird when I became an adult until a huge market emerged devoted strictly to adults who love to color. I'll be honest, though, my Lisa Frank coloring books are still my favorite :)

eight. TAKE MY MEDICINE

This one is on the list to remind you that medicine doesn't "cure" you. It treats you. If you're new to anti-anxiety medicine remember: When you start to feel "better," it's working. Don't quit your meds.

nine. TRAVELING

There's something about the escape of traveling that helps clear my head and keep me happy and balanced. Even a short weekend getaway can do wonders for my mental health.

ten. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP
I've never been a night owl, but as I've gotten older (and come to terms with my anxiety) I realize how necessary this is for operating at my best.