Self Care Isn't Selfish, It's An Investment In Your Well-Being

EXPLORING WHAT SELF CARE MEANS TO YOU

Self care is a broad term with many definitions. The dictionary defines self care as “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health” or “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” Here’s a fun idea: what if we became so good at caring for ourselves and meeting our own needs that our periods of stress were greatly diminished? What if we simply used self care as a way to live optimally, vs employing self care strategies once we’ve let the pendulum swing too far in one direction?

Many of us are programmed to believe that carving out time for ourselves is selfish, or that we should always have an “everyone else first” mentality. As novel as it sounds to be in constant consideration of the wants and needs of others, the reality is that we are of less service and less usefulness to friends, family and loved ones when we’ve continually deprioritized our own wants and needs. We are actually able to show up better for the people in our lives once we’ve attended to the routines, rituals and practices that support our healthy bodies and minds.

SHIFTING EVERYDAY ROUTINES AND PRACTICES INTO SELF CARE RITUALS

What’s important to remember is that self care doesn’t necessarily entail rolling out the red carpet each time you decide to engage in meaningful, thoughtful time and attention spent on yourself. Self care might mean saying ‘no’ instead of ‘maybe’ to that time commitment on your day off. Self care might mean setting a boundary with your place of employment and committing to turning your computer off promptly at 5pm each weekday. Self care might mean a guided meditation before bed vs one last scroll through Instagram.

However, if you do decide that self care warrants the royal treatment, feel free to don your finest outfit and highest heels and strut your stuff with pride. Self care can be whatever makes you feel most alive!

NATURAL WELLNESS PRODUCTS FOR THE SELF CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL BODY

We’re sharing some of our favorite natural wellness products to help you treat your hardworking body to some extra TLC. These are products we incorporate into our daily self care routines and rituals to keep us feeling revived and boosted, no matter what the day throws at us:

Peppermint Halo: cool, soothe and put your body at ease anytime with this tingling and soothing best-seller and first ever product formulation created at Saje. Peppermint Halo is a warming and cooling blend of peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus and vetiver to help relieve and stimulate different parts of the body like the hairline, head, neck and shoulders. Roll on and get ready to feel good, naturally.

Pain Release: not just for injuries, this warming and relieving analgesic roll-on is handy to keep with you to soothe and restore aches and pains anywhere in the body. We particularly like to roll this product along the tops and soles of our feet and over the ankles after a long day of activity or uncomfortable shoes. Allow tension and soreness to melt away with this earthy and herbal blend of marjoram, rosemary and roman chamomile.

NATURAL WELLNESS PRODUCTS FOR THE SELF CARE OF YOUR MIND

While tending to the needs of your physical body, it’s important to remember how vital it is to tend to the needs of our mind. Mental, emotional and spiritual well-being is at the heart of true health and wellness, which is why we make time each day to use natural wellness products to support us in feeling self assured, balanced and in control.

Pocket Farmacy Mindful Edition: earlier this year we launched a Mindful Edition of our popular Pocket Farmacy that was curated specifically to support our emotional state of being. The five blends you’ll find in this collection contain essential oils that are known to help shift our perspective, allow our minds to still in an effort to create space for reflection and observation and bring about self-courage and self-confidence. You’ll find Energy and Unwind sold separately as part of our core collection and Reflection, Confidence and Connection as exclusive to this wellness kit. Roll on to areas of the body like the temples, behind the ears, on the throat and chest, the wrists and the elbow creases for balance and support.

NATURAL WELLNESS PRODUCTS FOR THE SELF CARE OF YOUR HOME

Feeling at home in your home is another important way in which we can positively influence our self care. Curating a space that feels comfortable, practical and supportive of your needs is just one of the ways we can honor ourselves in creating our best life, each and every day.

An easy and sustainable way to influence the look and feel of your home is with the use of diffusers and diffuser blends. Scent is personal and allows us to tailor how our home smells and feels in accordance with our personal preferences. Our current favorite diffuser for creating self care in our home is called the Aroma Om Deluxe Stone.

When we’re looking for diffuser blends to help promote self care, we like to choose blends known for being harmonizing and tranquil. Here are two we reach for often:

Unwind diffuser blend: this sweet and floral blend with a touch of spice is formulated with lavender, bergamot and cinnamon to help you de-stress and relax at the end of a tough day. Diffuse whenever you’re looking to feel nurtured, balanced and supported.

Deep Breath diffuser blend: this herbal and minty blend is quite literally like a breath of fresh air. Formulated with peppermint, eucalyptus and marjoram, reach for this blend when you want to feel grounded and centered, reminding yourself of the power of a deep breath.

DISCOVER NEW WAYS TO INCORPORATE SELF CARE INTO YOUR DAY

We’ll leave you with these important reminders when it comes to what self care is not. Self care is not allowing yourself basic, fundamental requirements that all of us have for optimal health (like getting sufficient sleep each night or nourishing our bodies with healthy, plentiful food and nutrition) and then pretending that you’ve gone above and beyond for yourself. You haven’t! Those are the bare minimum essentials that each of us need and deserve each day. Try and reframe self care as intentional, thoughtful and kind acts that you consciously choose each day to support your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s spending time alone in nature or in meditation, taking stretch breaks during your workday or tapping into your favorite creative outlets like painting, writing or ceramics, self care isn’t selfish, it’s an investment in your well-being.

—Brene Brown