Are pampering yourself and self-care the same?

In our opinion it isn't at all. However when women do the basic things to refresh, revive and motivate themselves too often it is seen as self pampering or indulgent.  Now don't get us wrong, indulgence is not a four letter word or anything. In fact, it is great to give yourself the royal treatment when you have the opportunity but it is not the same as regular self care. Let's use a car for example, you can drive it without a sunroof, cruise control and heated seats but it won't run at all if you neglect your regular oil change and get your auto fluids topped off. Similarly, intentional self care is the maintenance to keep you running smooth so you don't burn out your engine.

Your engine is that you have that you tap into to take care of everything else. What is everything else? Your job/career, your spouse/significant other, children, the household demands, your extra-curricular commitments etc.. You have to take time for yourself somewhere between all of that. You may not have time to pamper yourself on a daily basis but you can do self-care. You can take a long hot shower with a shower steamer. You can soak in your bath tub for 15 minutes with bath salts with a scented candle on your window sill. You can use some nice skin care lotion and put on some comfortable clothes before folding your laundry or before bed an read a book. You can sit and meditate or pray a few mins in the morning and before you go to bed at night to focus your day and reset yourself at night. These are not big moments of self-indulgence but smaller more necessary self maintenance type of activities to help you feel more balanced and have a good sense of well-being. This autumn season as we gear up for the holidays, remember that self care isn't difficult to do but it is something you must be intentional about. When you make time to add those small moments to your regular routine you'll refill your tank and feel better and more well-balanced (mind - body & spirit).