I’m not entirely sure where I first heard the phrase “Self Care Sunday” but immediately it seemed like an excellent concept. At first, I thought, “wow, there’s no way you can go wrong with spending quality time pampering yourself.” Then I came to realize that self-care is more about connecting with the body, soul, and mind, tending to your own needs and restoring balance in your life – this goes much deeper than a clay face mask!

For most professional women, especially mothers, making time for self-care may seem like a sacrifice. Think about it. You have 3 children, a dog, a husband, a career, and maybe a part-time online degree. The weekends barely have enough hours for a decent rest as there are always chores to catch up on, family members who need your attention, and a never-ending to-do list. But wait – hear me out! Although Sundays seem to vanish as quickly as it comes (mainly because we are always in a mad dash to be prepared for Monday) it is actually a perfect day for self-care, a great way to relax and feel rejuvenated for the new week.

The hardest part of self-care is being intentional with setting aside dedicated time for yourself. Be honest with yourself – how many hours per week do you spend taking care of yourself? How has that affected your wellbeing? The benefits of self-care are almost limitless including physical wellness, emotional decompression, prevention of burnout, and preservation of your sanity. You need to take time to pause and reset to continue performing at your highest level and becoming your best self.

Self-care looks different for everyone and taking a “moment” can’t always wait for the weekend. Spending an extra half hour in bed doing absolutely nothing might be exactly what you need to have enough energy to get your day going with maximum energy. Meanwhile, someone else may need to work with their hands or get outdoors to feel refreshed. Be realistic and honest with yourself. Find out what works best for you, what you enjoy the most, and what allows you to have true ‘downtime’.

Our Instagram Countdown to Self Care Sunday challenge was created to remind you that you need to take care of yourself. On some days you may only be able to fit in a quick self-care activity while on other days you may have the time to do several. Self-care is not reserved strictly for the weekend and I cannot stress this enough. GabxCaroline shares her morning self-care routine which helps her to stay productive and encourage self-love. We hope that you will find a few ideas that you can incorporate into your own routine.

Gabrielle Abraham, known as GabxCaroline, is a Caribbean Vlogger and owner of Incognito Experience, an entertainment company. A Geospatial Scientist by profession, Gabrielle knows the true meaning of “work hard, play hard“. She aspires to motivate women to become the best version of themselves through self-care. Follow her on Instagram and subscribe to her Youtube Channel for more lifestyle and beauty content.