This post is sponsored by CVS Pharmacy, but ALL opinions are my own!
It’s August, which means the warm days spent at the pool will soon come to an end. This is the time of year where I get excited about fall, and impatiently wait for the leaves to start turning. Even though those cooler mornings sound great right about now, I’m trying this new thing where I take the time to enjoy the season that I’m currently in. Instead of jumping ahead and buying all the fall candles, I’m going to embrace the hot weather and enjoy all the summery things until they’re gone. If you’re a fall lover like me, then you can most definitely relate to jumping ahead of the seasons.
Today, I’m partnering up with CVS (who also believes self-care routines are essential) to share a few ideas on how to have the ultimate “treat yo self” day before summer ends. Doing things we love is what self-care is all about. I think we could all be a little better about treating ourselves to the things that bring us happiness. CVS knows that self-care is more than just face masks and bubble baths, and that’s why CVS has brought hundreds of new proactive wellness product to store shelves across the country that make our self-care routines easier to implement in our daily routines.
I hope the ideas I share with you today, inspire you to treat yourself to one awesome “treat yo self” day while summer is still thriving!
JOURNALING WITH TEA
Journaling early in the morning is something that I learned from my readers. I used to think that blogging and writing on the computer were enough but being able to write ideas and goals out on paper for my eyes only changed everything. Sometimes, I’ll write things I’m feeling for me to refer back to while talking to my therapist. I’ll write down goals and then read past goals to see if I’ve gotten any closer to them. I have no format for journaling, and sometimes I sketch when I don’t know what to write down. I make sure to fill up one page every morning. Sometimes it turns into a grocery list, but it’s still an entry. I love setting my intentions for the day on the top of the page, and I’ve found that it’s helped me stay on track.
You can find convenient and unique varieties of self-care solutions available at CVS Pharmacy just like this journal and the Be Well Teas. I have fallen in love with these teas, and I got lucky because they were BOGO yesterday at my local CVS. I usually make myself fill out the journal and excuse myself once my tea is finished. I know that seems silly, but it’s an excellent way to ground yourself for a bit. Of course, it’s always nicer when my pup decides to join me.
BREAKFAST IN BED
Everyone deserves to treat themselves to breakfast in bed once in a while! Sure, you may have to spend some time in the kitchen preparing it, but it’s always more fun when you get to take it back to your room, kick your feet back, and enjoy each bite without any other distractions. This is a good time to listen to a podcast or read a book you’ve had on the shelf all summer.
I make sure to take my daily vitamins while having breakfast. It’s easy to forget them, so I always place them by the coffee station. I never forget my coffee, so, likely, I won’t forget to take my vitamins if they are right next to it. CVS has a wide variety of vitamins and supplements, and I love that they created the Tested to Be Trusted program, which requires third-party testing of ALL vitamins and supplements sold in-store and online to confirm the accuracy of the dietary ingredients listed on the supplement facts panel and to confirm products are free from certain additives and ingredients. It gives me total peace of mind that I can trust what I’m buying and putting in my body. To me, treating your body with only the best supplements and vitamins is self-care!
I love the CVS Health Women’s Complete Daily Multivitamin, the Sundown Naturals Calcium with Vitamin D, and especially the CVS Health Advanced Probiotic Gummies. I also take the CVS Health Hair, Skin & Nail Gummies daily!
TAKE A YOGA CLASS
If it’s not a running day for me, I’ll try my hardest to take a yoga or pilates class. It’s something that always makes my self-care days so much better. Dedicating that time to stretch, reflect, and move your body is crucial for your self-care. Yoga can help get your blood flowing, and it sends those endorphins off to put you in a good mood. I always leave yoga feeling refreshed. Moving your body multiple times a day should be a priority on everyone’s self-care list.
CVS carries the perfect gym bag essentials to help your mornings at the gym much more manageable. A few things I love to take to the gym with me are energy bars for a quick post-workout treat like RXBARS, and the KIND Pressed Juice Bars. I always look for energy bars with more whole ingredients, and those are two of my favorites! I always take my water in the Oak & Reed stainless-steel water bottle because it keeps it super cold. If I need extra energy, I’ll take the Amazing Grass Lemon Lime Energy powder and shake it up in my water bottle to help me power through. A few other things I love to have with me in my gym bag is the Beauty360 Daily Moisturizing Lotion, CVS Health Hand Sanitizer, CVS Health Muscle Rub Spray, CVS Health Kinesiology Athletic Tape, and Beauty360 Moisturizing Cleansing towelettes!
TAKE YOUR DOG FOR A WALK OR HIKE
I’m a true believer that dogs deserve self-care days just as much as we do. They are a lot easier to please, so I always make sure to spend an hour a day walking my dogs. We usually do our first 30-minute walk in the morning and another 30-minute walk in the evening. Of course, we add in some dog pool, frisbee throws, and tug of war sessions in there as well.
Because I spend a lot of time outside with the pups, I always have to pay attention to my skin and make sure I’m protecting it. CVS has so many products to help with outdoor skincare that I love having around to help me keep my skin safe. Being outdoors is one of my favorite places, but it comes with consequences in the summer. CVS has a huge section with all kinds of sunscreens to choose from, and some of my favorites are the Beauty360 After-Sun Hydration Stick, CVS Health Intense Hydration Skin Lotion, and the CVS Health Aloe Continuous Spray!
Taking care of your skin is one of the best things you can do for your self-care.
COOL OFF WITH A GREEN SMOOTHIE
There is nothing better than sipping on a cold smoothie after spending hours outside. It immediately helps cool me off without having to crank up the air conditioner. I don’t think a day goes by in the summer where I don’t have at least one smoothie!
CVS has a lot of healthy products to step up your smoothie game. You’ll be able to find Tone It Up Plant-Based Protein Powder, Navitas Organics products, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, and they also have nutrition shakes you can take with you on the go. I highly recommend the vanilla Vega Protein Nutrition Shake.
This delicious smoothie had two cups of spinach, almond milk, one cup of frozen mango, one scoop of the Amazing Grass Energy powder, and one scoop of the Navitas Organics Superfood Powder. I also topped it with Gold Emblem Abound Organic Dark Chocolate Cherry Trail Mix to add some crunch and extra yumminess.
RELAX BY THE POOL
Nothing screams summer more than spending some time by the pool. I always feel bad when summer ends, and I look back realizing I didn’t spend enough time by the pool. I’ve dedicated more time in August to sitting by the pool and enjoying the water even if it’s just for an hour. I love sipping water or iced tea while reading a book or listening to a podcast. Sometimes, we don’t treat ourselves to these moments because we get a sense of guilt that we should be doing something more important, but these moments are essential. They are self-care, and if we don’t take a break to relax now and then, we’ll get a rush of burnout. I highly recommend fighting pass the guilty feeling and treating yourself to these kinds of things! Find something you love and treat yourself to it.
Almost every time I go to the pool, I’ve made a CVS trip beforehand. It’s the best spot to pick up pool snacks, Hint water, bubbles for my dogs (they’re obsessed), and like I mentioned before, protective skin products!
ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE CREATIVE
Sometimes we think we have to be good at something to enjoy it, which is far from the truth. Lately, I’ve found joy in watercoloring. I’m FAR from being an artist, but it still brings me joy. Recently, I’ve been making a cup of hot Get Charged Be Well Tea with raw honey and giving myself some time to be creative. I’ve been watercoloring everything from polka dots to fields of daisies. Most of my work looks like a three-year-old did it, but it’s still enjoyable. We aren’t all born great at something, but if we don’t give it a shot, you’ll never get better! If you love singing, planting flowers, sewing, or anything else that brings you joy, spend time doing it. Our hobbies can get lost in our busy lives, so it’s important to take the time to do what you love. Again, THAT is self-care. CVS Pharmacy has exciting products this year across proactive health, and wellness categories focused on physical, mental, emotional, and social health. It’s pretty cool they understand that we all have different self-care routines, and they go beyond the face masks and bubble baths.
BAKING THERAPY IS REAL
I don’t care what anyone says, there’s nothing like a good baking session to cheer up your day. For the past ten years, I have found so much joy in baking. I love making my friends and family cookies, or perfectly frosted cupcakes. Whether you’re baking from scratch or using a box, even CVS has supplies to help you carry out a successful baking session. There are so many times when I have to run up to CVS because I ran out of vanilla or flour. Just when you thought you only needed a face mask to get your self-care on…
CVS Pharmacy will always be my convenient go-to destination to find my innovative self-care and proactive wellness solutions!
MOVIES AND SNACKS
You tell me what’s better for the soul than to chill out on the couch with delicious snacks and binge-watch your favorite shows. This is one of my favorite things to do year-round. It’s an excuse to cuddle up with your pups, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and dive into the popcorn. Whether you’re going to the movie theater or watching movies at home, CVS has a great selection of healthier indulgences for you to choose from. Some of my favorites are the Gold Emblem Lightly Dusted Cocoa Almonds, Gold Emblem Lightly Salted Popcorn, barkTHINS, and the Organic Dark Chocolate Cherry Trail Mix. One thing I’m going to get my hands on soon is their new Gold Emblem Birthday Cake Popcorn! Yup, you heard that right!
Self-Care doesn’t have to be a big event or expensive.CVS Pharmacy knows that while self-care may mean different things to different people, it is a critical part of everyday health for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or income!
CREATE THE PERFECT BEDTIME ROUTINE
A bedtime routine is something I apply to my life every single day. There’s no such thing as late-nights for me anymore because my bedtime routine is one of my top priorities. Sleep is so important to our health, and I think it’s the number one thing on my self-care list. It’s important to find a routine that fits your lifestyle best and stick to it. There are so many products at CVS that can help you create the perfect routine that’s enjoyable to stick to.
Around 8 pm, I draw a bath with my CVS Health Lavender Epsom Salt Tablets, clean my face and apply Nature’s Truth Collagen Serum, turn on a podcast, and relax. The hot baths relax my body and help it go into sleep mode. I find that Epsom baths help me sleep better through the night.
BEDTIME TEA AND A BOOK
I used to be someone who could not fall asleep without the T.V., But now, I keep my electronics downstairs and keep the T.V. off before bed. I’ll usually make a cup of Get Some ZZZ’s Be Well Tea and read my book. I’ve found that after reading a couple of chapters, I’m fighting my eyes to stay open. If you have trouble falling asleep, try turning the T.V. and phone off, and turning to essentials that can help you sleep through the night and fall asleep quickly. You can also find weighted blankets at CVS that are also helpful for falling asleep. CVS has so many great products that can improve your sleeping routine. If you can find the rareESSENCE Meditation Room Mist at your CVS, I highly recommend it. I spray my pillows lightly before going to bed and it makes me feel as if I’m sleeping in a spa. I LOVE the scent.
RELAX WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
One of my favorite nighttime (and morning time) ways to relax is by turning on the essential oil diffuser. I have a large one, but also this smaller travel-sized one from Radiance. This is one of the best investments! It’s the perfect size to take with you on your travels to ensure the best sleep while you’re away from home. The Radiance essential oils are perfect for lifting your mood, improving stress levels, or helping you fall asleep. The changing lights on this diffuser are my favorite part. Sometimes just watching the colors change helps my mind slow down, and it puts me to sleep faster. My goal is to fall asleep by 9:30 PM every single night and be awake before the sun.
Oh, and before I brush my teeth, I have the OLLY Restful Sleep Gummies. They are super tasty and one of my favorite parts about going to bed. I know that sounds silly, but who doesn’t love gummies?
Now, I know there was a lot of activities in this post, but that doesn’t mean you have to have a day full of treating yourself to put your self-care first. Doing the small things each day is a great way to practice self-care, but it should be a more regular part of our lives without any of the guilt. It’s always OK to put yourself first from time to time. It’s great that CVS Pharmacy has so many options to help you create the best self-care routine.
I want to challenge you to have the ultimate “treat yo self” day before summer is over! YOU DESERVE IT!
Questions for you!
- What do you do to practice self-care daily?
- Do you ever feel guilty about doing the things you love?
- What is one thing you could work on bettering when it comes to your self-care routine?
Mandi says
I’m trying to give myself a night time routine, but I sometimes just collapse into bed which is a terrible habit! I feel guilty because I feel like I should be taking care of my family. I keep reminding myself I can’t take care of them unless I take care of myself. I could work on remembering to take time to breathe, that relaxing isn’t lazy and spending time with my family is also self-care.
Thanks for sharing so many great ideas! I am trying to remember to love Summer when I want pumpkin and sweaters so bad!
Taralynn McNitt says
You’re right! It’s so easy to jump into the next season, but we always want what isn’t there!
If you’re getting a good night’s sleep, sometimes collapsing into bed is just fine 😉
Paige Cassandra Flamm says
This is what I’m going to have to do once the kids go back to school 😉
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Taralynn McNitt says
You deserve it!
Sarah says
I’m not sure that I do anything on a daily basis other than brush my teeth and eat lol! But I have been trying to add taking “hair, skin and nails” vitamins into a daily schedule to get my skin and hair ready for my wedding. I don’t typically feel guilty about doing things I love, but I don’t have any kids yet. I would like to be more consistent with my night time skin care routine for self care but my biggest self care that I am working to improve is keeping my house clean. I feel much less stressed and more relaxed when my house is in order than when it is a chaotic mess!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hey, I definitely consider brushing your teeth to be self-care! 😆
Love that you’re taking those vitamins. They are my favorite! & that IS self-care for sure!
Keeping your house clean is so good for mental health. Things are always easier and less stressful when things are in their place! I love devoting my Fridays and Sundays to that!
Brittany M. says
One thing I do every single day is take a relaxing bath. I also walk and listen to my favorite podcast. It’s called Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. Each night, I do a personal devotional and three times a week, we do one as a family. These things all help me unwind and relax and forget about the worries of the day.
I only feel guilty about doing things I love or that are really fun if my family isn’t with me and it’s something they would enjoy too. They are the people I love to share those experiences with, so I like to have them there, but I am also recognize the importance of sometimes doing things alone and enjoying them too! I got a pedicure and it was so relaxing, and I was like oh, I wish my daughter was here with me too, she would love this! But I decided to just enjoy my time alone and decide to take her back with me another day.
One thing I wish I could do better is not let things worry me so much. Realistically, I know whatever I’m stressing about will be fine, but my anxiety takes it to a “worse case scenario” place. I am working on separating the voices of anxiety from what is real and true. My self-care is focused around caring for my mental health as well as physical, so I’m working on a little bit of everything!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Brittany!
I love that! ♥️ crazy what a hot bath can do for the soul. I love that you focus your self-care around your mental and physical health. SO IMPORTANT!
I totally understand that guilt, it’s what makes us human. As long as you can put yourself first once and a while ♥️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Great ideas, Taralynn! I wish I had still had summer holidays. 🙁 Now summer’s just three endless months of work since there are no public holidays where I live this time too! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
Well hopefully you can find some self care time on the weekends ♥️
Brittany says
Love all of these ideas <3 I think one thing I definitely want to get better at is journaling. I used to do it every single night before going to bed as a kid and teenager.. but then just kind of stopped. I guess I am always tired by the time I think about doing it.. so maybe I need to switch things up and do it in the morning…
However, I have been getting better about taking time to read so that has been good! Still need to get myself to read more regularly though 🙂
And oh my gosh I am with you on being excited for fall, This year summer seems to have not happened in Portland, so I am a little bummed about the lack of summer here.. but I am totally fine skipping ahead to fall 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Yes! Same, I get so tired at night when it comes to anything!
Glad you’re taking the time to read and do something you enjoy! I’m so much better about reading in the winter.
Well, just come to the Carolinas if you want some endless summer 😂
Aamanda says
I found the diffuser at my CVS after work on Friday and have been enjoying it all weekend! I think it’s helping with my seasonal headaches. Thank you for sharing your CVS finds with your readers.
Taralynn McNitt says
That is so awesome to hear!
Taralynn McNitt says
What scents of essential oils did you find?
Nicole says
This may have been asked somewhere already, but where is your tree next to the bed from? Love it!
Trying so hard to incorporate self care into my daily routine and not feeling guilty about it! Love these recommendations!
Taralynn McNitt says
That one was from Home Goods!
Maripi says
What kind of cámara and photo editor do you use? I’m in love with your blog!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you! I use my cell phone and most of the time my canon pPowerShot And then Lightroom 😀
Tara says
Love this post – I love CVS, but I live abroad so it’s harder to pick up some of these things unless I’m home in the States. But, I’m definitely taking some of these ideas for this weekend, in particular I’m going to try to enjoy some pool time and art. Thanks for the inspiration!
Taralynn McNitt says
The best kind of self care!