According To Kimberly... // An Orange County Life + Style Blog : 5 Self-Care Tips for Mental Health Awareness Month

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Did you know that May is also Mental Health Awareness Month?...

So what does that mean? It means stepping back and evaluating yourself. Ask yourself honestly, am I taking care of myself? Sometimes we get so busy taking care of others {family, friends, school, work, etc.} that, by the end of the day, we neglect to take care of ourselves. Hey, I'm guilty of this occasionally too. It happens to all of us! That's why it's important for us to practice self-care which means exactly how it sounds: taking care of yourself. Below I'm sharing some of my favorite ways in which I practice self-care.
{OUTFIT} jacket c/o Nike (old) :: leggings c/o Reebox (old)

1. Practicing deep breathing. Not many people may do this but I find it quite helpful. Either in the morning when I'm starting to wake up or when I'm at a red light, I'll practice some deep breathing exercises. What you do is take a slow deep inhale for 3-4 seconds, hold for 2-3 seconds, then very slowly exhale for 4-6 seconds. Then repeat for 2-5 minutes (as you get better and better you can do it for longer). While you do this, try to clear your mind and focus on your breath - how it moves in your body and how your body responds to each movement. By concentrating on being in the present moment of breathing, it helps to calm your body down so if you get anxious easily, try this trick out next time.
{OUTFIT} cardigan c/o Sloane Rouge (old)

2. Taking baths. Alright, whoever invented bubble baths, THANK YOU. This is one of my favorite semi-weekly routines! Just throw in one of Lush's bath bombs {shop them here} and then pour yourself a glass of wine and ta-da! The most tranquil, relaxing time to have for yourself.

3. Doing yoga. I know, I know. You hear about yoga just about everywhere and it's no wonder! There are so many positive benefits of practicing yoga. It can help to relax your mind, strengthen your body, and fuel your soul. And what's great about it is that you can pretty much do it anywhere - even when travelling!

4. Starting the day for you. Do you love coffee or tea? Well then start each day with it! That morning moment of treating yourself first before giving yourself to others can have a powerful impact on your energy for that day. I like to start each day with a cup of hot tea whether it's a weekday, weekend, or even on vacation! Cause even during days off work, you should still spoil yourself.
{OUTFIT} eye mash c/o Ankit :: bracelet c/o Les Georgettes

5. Being outdoors. Hey, as much as it feels nice to be a couch potato, sometimes we just gotta get up and go outside. There's something about feeling the sun rays against my face that instantly puts me in a better mood! It also let's me appreciate how beautiful a day it may be. Sometimes being cooped up in an office, we don't go outside much. If this is you too, try having lunch outside and see if that helps - to be away from your desk and just enjoying the outdoor weather. I know it helps me.
{OUTFIT} Ever Pretty cocktail dress c/o Bolt PR ($59.99 here) :: Party City balloons
{photo by Juliet Peel Photography}

What are things you enjoy to do just for yourself?

My self-care tips may not work the same for you but I think the important thing is to try and find something in each day - even if it's something small - that you do for yourself. You work really hard and deserve to treat yourself too. Thanks for reading and sending you hugs!