Happy Monday, everyone! I hope each of you had a great weekend. My weekend was more eventful than I had hoped. My husband Scott and I drove home to see my family in Iowa on Friday, and Saturday morning, after working on my computer for a while early in the morning, I started having terrible pain in my stomach. We went to the ER, and the pain started to go away about an hour after it started. They ran a bunch of tests and didn’t find anything wrong with me, so I’m hoping it was just a one time thing.
All of that drama has led me to take my weekend a little more slowly than I otherwise would have, and I’m taking a few days off of working out to let my body recuperate. Yesterday I was still having a little discomfort, and I’d rather not push things if I don’t have to. This whole ordeal has me inspired to chat about self-love and self-care today, which is pretty good timing with Valentine’s Day coming up in just under two weeks. Here’s today’s motivational quote:

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I worked HARD last week. It seemed like I was working just about every moment I was awake, and I had a to-do list that was a mile long. Since they don’t know what caused the pain, I’m not sure if the stress I put myself under had anything to do with it, but I’m sure it didn’t help. Sometimes we have to work hard to get things done, but be careful that you’re not taking too much out of yourself.
Today, I’m hoping that I can motivate you to do something today or this week to take care of yourself. Remember that self-care isn’t a selfish act, and that you need to take care of you before you can take care of others. Take an extra rest day if you need it. Take an hour or two to watch Netflix if you need a break. Take time to recharge your batteries before they’re completely dead. You’re worth it!
What self-care are you doing this week?
My self care this week is the once monthly sports massage that my wife got me for Christmas!
It’s something I’d never get for myself, but wanted because I thought it could help my running 🙂
Ooh, that sounds heavenly, Kyle. Sports massages are seriously my favorite. I’ve been able to ward off so many injuries with a well-trained massage therapist. Hope you enjoyed it!
I’m not sure if I’m glad or not that they didn’t find anything. Sometimes, it is helpful to have something to treat! More so, I’m sorry that you had to have you Christmas interrupted. But at least you had a cute mug.
You are so right. It’s so frustrating to have no idea what happened. And yes, there’s always the mug. 🙂 Hope you had a good week, Suz!
Thank you for posting this. I’ve been doing way too much the past 2 weeks and I really need to simplify my life. I’m glad that you are feeling better!
Thanks, Kim! And definitely take care of yourself. You are up to so much–hope you’re giving your body, mind, and soul the rest they need!
I’m so glad you’re feeling better!
I definitely did some self care this weekend. I barely left my couch, and didn’t leave my condo at all on Sunday. I don’t regret one second of it.
Yay, glad to hear it Ange. Your schedule has been so crazy over the past few months–you totally deserve a weekend on the couch. 🙂
Self care is so important and often one of the first things to do in the pursuit of other things: money, career, etc. I always try and make a little time for it if I can. Glad you are feeling better!
Erin, you are my self-care role model. You are so good about taking care of yourself and knowing what you need. Someday I’ll be like you. 🙂
I hope also that it was a one time thing and you feel better! Self care is so important, and I think those of us with big goals tend to forget from time to time that it’s a vital part of the process – so thank you for the reminder!
Thanks, Laura! I’m really bad about taking care of myself when I’m in business mode, too. So focused on getting stuff done that I forget that I function better when I do things in moderation. Let’s hope we can all be better about it. 🙂
Glad to hear you checked out ok!
Self Care is SO important to me- it’s something I constantly have to think about but it’s so worth it. Have a great week!
Thanks, Katie! And please do be sure that you take care of yourself so you can be the best momma you can be to your little one! 🙂
I think yoga has taught me how important self care is. Last week I got my monthly massage. I usually only do 1-2 massages a year but after finding a place with a great special and getting massages in nov and dec, I knew I had to sign up for the membership as it no only helped me relax but also I believe helped with my work outs. This week I am on vacation so that is my self care, getting away from work for a bit and having fun. Hope the rest helps you.
Massages are the perfect self-care! They can be relaxing, help resolve muscle issues you’re having, or sometimes both. I recently made a big commitment to myself to stay up on getting massages regularly, and I think it’s going to help me in so many ways. Thanks for sharing, Alicia!
Getting to bed early, moisturizing and meditating are my self-love go-tos! Sadly on moisturizing is the one thing I do consistently.
I’m so bad about moisturizing, except when I absolutely have to or my skin will get too itchy. Teach me your moisturizing ways! 😉