What Self-Care Means to Me
Self-care is a topic that is talked about endlessly in the media, on blogs, and from our friends + family, but what does it really mean to maintain self-care?
Travel is Self Care
Self-care and travel are completely intertwined in my opinion. Every time I’ve felt overwhelmed, stressed out, or confused, travel has been my solution. “Travel” doesn’t have to mean a three-week international vacation - a day trip out of the city or a change of scenery does the trick. Stepping out of my daily routine allows me to think in new ways, explore new ideas, and expand my imagination.
When you travel, you get to disconnect from your daily routine and obligations. You don't have to worry about work, bills, or other stressors that you may face in your everyday life. This can be a much-needed break for your mind and body to recharge and rejuvenate.
I always come back from my travels feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and energized...but then the cycle begins again. I get caught up with work, over-commit to plans, make too many to-do lists, and it’s like the refreshing feeling from my getaway is a distant memory.
Foster Personal Growth for Life
Traveling can be a powerful way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. Whether it's trying new foods, learning a new language, or exploring a new city, the challenges, and adventures that come with travel can help you grow as a person and build your confidence.
When you travel, you are often forced to be present and live “in the moment”. You have to pay attention to your surroundings and be mindful of your actions and decisions. This can be a powerful way to cultivate mindfulness and presence in your everyday life, even after you return home.
Traveling to new places, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people can broaden your perspective on life. It can help you see things from a different angle and challenge your assumptions and beliefs. This can be a powerful way to gain clarity and insight into your own life for when you return from traveling.
Incorporating Self-Care into My Daily Routine
I always strive to incorporate self-care and reflection into my daily routine, but between balancing a business, fitness, friends, and family (+ a puppy!), it’s hard. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend a week in New York with the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program, where I met the founder of Silk + Sonder, Meha Agrawal. Luckily for me - and the millions of us out there who could use some self-care - Meha is hard at work building a solution to this problem.
Silk + Sonder is, “the first-ever monthly planning experience aimed to empower you to live the life you've always wanted.” The planners are beautifully and thoughtfully designed, and most importantly, allow you to start each month anew. Each edition asks you to set intentions and goals for the month ahead while providing space to plan out your week and month. It provides prompts that don’t feel overwhelming but allows you the space to reflect. I’ve tried for years to stick to New Year’s resolutions or annual planners with little success, but having a thoughtfully curated notebook to help me plan out the immediate future is something I can definitely get behind. Setting short-term goals (like budgeting to save money for a future trip!) allows me to work more concretely towards achieving my bigger goals in life without feeling overwhelmed by the steps it will take me to get there.
Silk + Sonder
If I can bring even a fraction of the introspection and self-care I embrace during my travels to my everyday life, I know that I will feel more centered more consistently.
Interested in learning more? Visit Silk + Sonder for more information!
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