September is Self-Care Month
When you think of the month of September, what are your first initial thoughts? Some might say the start of the fall season, while others might think of going back to school. Although neither of these answers are technically incorrect, they’re not in alignment with what this month is really all about–self-care!

September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, and in honor of this special time, we’re here to guide you on the road to self-appreciation and support. So kick back, relax, and get ready to restore your inner peace. Read on to learn about four simple ways to practice self-care in the remaining days of this month!

Disconnect from the World
Start with a basic self-care technique, like disconnecting yourself from the world. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to completely lock yourself in your room all day long, although this can certainly be your approach if you so choose! Rather, disconnecting from the world can include other things like staying off of your social media accounts, shutting off your phone for a few hours, and allowing yourself to have the “me-time” you so rightfully deserve. Replace screen time with other mindfulness activities like going for a walk, practicing meditation, or reading a book!

According to research, spending too much time online can cause eye strain, the inability to focus, and other unfortunate health issues. That’s why allowing yourself to disconnect from the world— even if only for a few minutes— is critical for finding your inner zen. Although it may seem silly, this small act of kindness can truly make it easier to reconnect with yourself and pay more attention to living your life in the real world, instead of only online.

Write Out Your Thoughts
Writing out your thoughts in a journal or notebook is a powerful self-care tool that works to relieve stress, build confidence, and even demonstrate personal growth! It also allows you to make time for self-reflection, which is key to maintaining good energy and finding self-acceptance as it offers you a place to organize your thoughts and express yourself in an unapologetic way. In turn, making it a safe space to clear your mind and better understand your thoughts and feelings.

 Picking up a pen and a blank sheet of paper isn’t always the most useful way for people when it comes time to self-reflect. Some of us may need a little more direction when it comes to unleashing the load that’s trapped in our brains, and that’s perfectly okay! Using a pre-prompted journal to jot down your thoughts, or a creative journaling app like Zinnia, can be equally as effective as the traditional method! Find what works best for you and don’t hold back!

Start A Skincare Ritual
Believe it or not, practicing self-care and performing skincare rituals go hand-in-hand. Following a daily skincare routine automatically allows you to reserve some “me -time” each day, even during your most busy, chaotic times. When you make time to tend to the needs of your skin, you’re also engaging in small soothing acts of self-love that offer a lot of benefits in more ways than one. So if you’ve neglected to follow a regime up until this point, now is the time to establish morning and nightly skincare rituals and start pampering yourself with some new products. Keep in mind, however, that performing self-love skincare rituals requires you to get familiar with your skin type it has first. Having this basic knowledge will help you unravel which skincare products are best for treating your complexion.

Remember that everyone’s skin is unique in their own way, regardless of whether or not they share similar skin types and/or concerns. Just because your brother or sister has acne-prone skin, for example, does not mean it’s okay to swap treatments whenever you’d like. Not only because you may have different types of breakouts, but also because males and females have their own distinct skin attributes, which is why there are separate markets for skincare products based on gender.  Men, for instance, tend to have more active oil glands meaning the formula of their acne treatments is oftentimes more powerful compared to the formulas of women’s acne products. Using a product that is too harsh for your skin can lead to worsened skin conditions, so be sure to stick with trusted clean, clear acne products when targeting your blemishes.

Declutter Your Personal Space
Some people may find this as a chore if they’re not normally tidy people. And while there’s no denying how timely and tedious this task can be, it’s important to spend some time getting organized and decluttering your personal space on your journey to self-care. The professional coach directory site, Noomi, explains the value of this technique in their article, Decluttering Your Personal Space. “The art of decluttering our physical personal spaces and our mindset, is essential for both our mental health, and for our soul to be able to recharge and rejuvenate.”

Between hindering anxiety levels, preventing feelings of frustration, and improving your ability to focus, decluttering your personal space has proven to be a practical, therapeutic approach to self-preservation. Despite the fact that that clearing out the clutter can be aggravating, especially for those who tend to hoard unnecessary items, it’s evident to see how it contributes to your peace of mind. That’s why your best bet is to roll up your sleeves and just do it! Besides, once your space is all tidied up and clean, it’ll be much easier for you to keep up with your area on a regular basis.