My Imperfect self care

Self-Care Sundays

As I’m writing this on a Sunday, I can’t help but reflect on a routine I’ve grown to cherish. For most Sundays over the past year, I’ve taken time out to focus on me. We all know how the days seem to fly by, how busy life gets, and how easy it is to forget to take time for ourselves.

A little backstory on my self-care journey…

During my cancer treatment, my cousin—who was living in North Dakota at the time—used to FaceTime me regularly. She kept me company, lifted my spirits, and helped me feel less alone. We’d binge-watch shows together, eat “side by side,” and she even encouraged me to walk around the house for a little movement.

One Sunday while we were binge watching The Traitors (if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a must—it's on Peacock), she said, “Do you have a face mask?” I said yes, and she replied, “Let’s put it on! After all, it’s Self-Care Sunday!” So we did. We sat with our masks on, laughed, and soaked in the moment.

The following week, we did the same—but this time, we simply laid in silence and breathed. It was so simple, yet incredibly powerful.

Even though life has gotten busier and we don’t self-care together anymore, I’ve continued the practice. Most Sundays now, I do it with my daughter, and it's become a beautiful ritual.

Here’s how I usually do my self-care:

• Before I shower, I light a candle in my room. (If you have a diffuser, incense, or essential oils, use whatever makes your space feel calm. A couple of drops of a soft essential oil on your pillow works wonders—something light, not overpowering. Think spa, not shopping mall.)

• I lay out my face mask and eye mask ahead of time.

• After a warm shower, with a clean face, I return to my room, which now smells amazing.

• I put on something comfy—pajamas, loungewear, anything cozy—and apply my face mask.

• I either close my eyes and meditate while the mask sets, put on instrumental music with a timer (in case I fall asleep), or listen to an audio book.

Just typing this makes me feel relaxed!

When the mask time is up, I take it off, I put on the eye mask on, and ease into whatever feels good in the moment—watching a show, coloring, journaling, or, if my daughter is with me, we have a little girl talk.

Whatever you do during those few minutes, make it your own. There’s no such thing as a perfect self-care routine. An imperfect self-care moment is still perfect—because it’s yours.

And for a little extra touch? Make yourself a warm cup of tea, or even pour a glass of wine with some chocolates.

Self-care should feel like a gift to yourself—because you deserve it.