The pressure of perfection is a paradox (try saying that three times fast). But in all seriousness, let’s ruminate for a minute on the advice from magazines, social media, and society in general which tell us what to do and who to be. Consider the Cosmo-esque lifestyle articles: one minute they’re providing you with the top tips to achieve your ideal body and latest fashion pieces to buy, and the next minute they’re preaching to love your body as it is and hammering you to save money. Where does that leave you?
Simply put, you should do what’s right for you. You are worthy of happiness and feeling good in your own skin, on your own terms. I’ve said before that there is so much healthy power in feeling confident in your body, and one of the easiest ways to do so is through the practice of self-care. Self-care can be a relatively ambiguous term, but when it comes down to it, it’s about doing things that make you feel better about yourself mentally and physically.
General tokens for good health like water, diet, and exercise are all highly regarded aspects of self-care, but effective self-care is also about pampering yourself at times. Consider any of the following self-care practices that allow you to indulge in yourself without feeling guilty:
Devote time to a skincare routine
Whether in person or in pictures, your face is one of the first things both you and others notice, so why not start taking care of your skin properly? Properly means quit sliding by with a makeup removing wipe to save time. Put effort into finding the right products for your skin’s needs and devote time each day for your skincare regimen.
There’s no one size fits all solution, but the essential components of a good skincare regimen include a cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer and a skin ‘balancer’ such as a toner or retinol/serum. These products are the building blocks that rid the skin of dirt and impurities, balance your complexion, and provide hydration. Dermatologists advise using products once or twice daily for at least six weeks to notice results. It’s important to put fewer pressing priorities on the back burner and make time each day to take care of your skin.
Splurge where it matters most
Sometimes we get lucky and can buy off-brand or clearance items. Who doesn’t love to save a buck or two? But don’t get so wrapped up in the idea of saving money that you don’t invest yours where and when it matters most. You can splurge where it benefits you most without being frivolous with your spending.
It is definitely worth spending some extra cash on your bras. They are a staple item we wear every single day, no matter if it’s a daily t-shirt bra, sports bra, or lingerie.
Try something new and unique
Treating and pampering yourself is meant to be fun, so why not try something completely out of the box like a bikini or Brazilian wax? Unlike shaving, a wax can last for weeks so that you can avoid unflattering and uncomfortable stubble and razor bumps leaving you feeling sexy and confident whether you’re showing off your new lingerie in a boudoir shoot, relaxing poolside in a bikini, or even naked under the covers.
Not to mention that this type of pampering can increase sexual pleasure and work alongside other solutions to boost your sex drive. Self-care is about nurturing yourself as a whole, so our sexual health is not extraneous consideration when it comes to indulging in our well-being and happiness. You never know what extra benefits you may reap when you explore outside of your comfort zone.
