2022 Self-Care Check-in Challenge: Tell us your solo relaxation tips!

[TeamBIC]

2022 Self-Care Check-In Challenge

Welcome to 2022, Beauty Insider Community! At this point, the importance of “self-care” is talked about so often that it sometimes almost feels like a chore. Which totally defeats the purpose, right? Self-care is important, but it’s meant to be restorative and enjoyable. 🧖‍♀️ That’s why we’re reviving our Self-Care Check-in Challenge, this time with weekly inspiration for themed rituals and beauty resolutions to incorporate into your own self-care routines.

Check back weekly and let us know in the replies: How are you committing to the self-care theme of the week? Share your tips and tricks, or just get motivated by others (you can even check out @haleyvvvv's 2022 Beauty Resolutions/Goals  thread for more inspirational beauty resolutions to kick-start your new year)! And if a certain theme doesn’t speak to your personal self-care needs, skip it! But don’t forget to stop by to cheer on your fellow BIC-ers. 📣

• Week 1 (1/5 – 1/11) – Getting active (…and if contouring is your cardio, that’s cool too!) 🏅
• Week 2 (1/12 – 1/18) – Taking care of your hair 💇‍
• Week 3 (1/19 – 1/25) – Improving your sleep routine 😴
• Week 4 (1/26 – 2/1) – Trying a new wellness trend (supplements, CBD, gua sha, oh my!) 🔮
• Week 5 (2/2 – 2/8) – Staying organized and productive 📚
• Week 6 (2/9 – 2/15) – Setting a skincare goal for 2022 😚
• Week 7 (2/16 – 2/22) – Meditating and mindset 🧘🏼‍
• Week 8 (2/23 – 3/1) – Relaxing solo (how do you like to unwind when you get a minute to yourself?) 💆🏻‍

Reply below to share how *you* self-care, and don’t forget to tag any products you’re using (if applicable!) using the “#” sign!

[Mellmars1185]

@HeatherAriana Those are some great bedtime products. I am actually going to check out that Dr. Teals lotion!

[greeneyedgirl107]

What a great idea for chatting - sleep routines!  For years now I've been worrying how I'll sleep each night.  I need to adjust my sleep routine and take less OTC stuff to get to sleep.  Melatonin helps me, but it leaves me feeling so off.  I take 3 mg, and I'm honestly surprised about how high the dosages are these days.  I had the hardest time finding a 1 mg a while back - and I got such weird nightmares that I never went back.  If I could change one thing, it'd be better sleep leading to better days.

I try to calm down before going to sleep, and having my beauty rituals help.  

Here's where I go on a lengthy rant about all the things that contribute to my sleep issues.  Oh, and not having my cat Bam Bam sleeping on the bed with me hasn't helped (he passed away).

Spoiler

I also need to get into a better eating cycle.  I have gastroparesis (i.e. delayed gastric emptying, so food sits for a long time).  This means I get full easily, but can also be hungry.  Things have been so crazy at work, that often my eating gets messed up.  When my stomach's "off," sleep is the next to go.  It's a vicious cycle -- b/c if I take a nap (and many times I can't help myself) things just get worse and worse.  Ideally I do best eating 800-1000 calories a day.  But I'm so busy at work that I need more calories which of course makes sense, but doesn't work so well for me.  I used to work someplace that was a little less busy, so I had time to drink Yogi Egyptian Licorice tea (1-3 cups at work) and it really soothed my stomach and kept hunger at bay.  Another obstacle for me is that I like to eat fresh fruit (though I can't eat too much due to the fiber) but this time of year is near impossible to get anything decent where I live.

I'm really desirous of making changes to lead to changes - if that makes any sense.  And I agree that I should get more physical activity in which would lead to better sleep.  I was walking before it got super hot this summer (I'm talking 90s) and then couldn't get back into it this fall.  Now I feel like it's too dark and cold to walk.  I'd like to buy a treadmill, but honestly I didn't use the last $800 one.

[QueenMarceline]

@greeneyedgirl107 I know what you mean about the sleep schedule and off-eating routines... I feel like that's a struggle I understand all too well (and the vicious cycle too). I'm so sorry about your kitty cat. Animals are such a joy that it's truly a shame they don't live forever. 

[greeneyedgirl107]

@QueenMarceline Thanks!!!  💞

[Titian06]

@greeneyedgirl107 - I understand about not having a cat to sleep with!  My sleep got worse (if that's possible) after Isabella passed away a few years ago (she slept with me every night).  Ivan doesn't sleep with me.  😞

[greeneyedgirl107]

@Titian06 😻  It makes such a difference!  I have a list of cat traits I want in a cat, and it's pretty high.  My husband and I always said that our cats Bam Bam and Munchkin spoiled us!

[Mellmars1185]

@TeamBIC I wish you all the best with your sleep routine. Different things work for everyone. I agree with you on the beauty rituals. Routine helps me a lot and reading before bed is a big one.

[ather]

For improving my sleep routine I take my sleep hygiene very seriously. I got an Oura ring. It is a wearable ring that tracks my sleep and my activity for the day. I love to see the numbers. I am very stats driven and it also tells me when I need to rest. 

 

I also take Moon Juice Magnesi-Om® Berry Unstressing Drink 4 oz/ 120 g  before I go to bed and for me it really helps me get a good sleep!!  I also shut my electronics down and read before bed to get myself ready. 

[Mellmars1185]

@ather That is really neat! I have never heard of an Oura ring. Interesting that you are stat driven! I am trying to pay attention to patterns  numbers and stats more to be a better person. I want to start tracking most aspects of my life.

[ather]

@Mellmars1185  Omg I’m obsessed. I can’t wear a watch or Fitbit to bed so the Oura ring is perfect for me. Some times I don’t agree with the stats but I would say 90% of the time it’s bang on. 

[faeriegirl]

Melatonin gummies and the Slip contour sleep mask is my go to for a great night sleep.

[ather]

@faeriegirl  Which gummies do you take? I’ve actually ever tried melatonin before. 

[faeriegirl]

@ather  I take Natrol Sleep + Immune health gummies. They have melatonin, elderberry, zinc, and vitamin c & d. I really like them and I fall asleep so much faster.

[Leo26]

Week 2

I decided to cut dreads, to keep my hair Moisturized. So that it can grow healthier and stronger 💪🏾

[fatimamummy]

For last few weeks, I have started taking long walks after dinner. It helps put my body and mind in that loose state then following in with a shower and night time skincare routine, reading a book for a while in bed and I am off to the Zzzzz land. It has been working pretty well so far as I don’t wake up as often during the night as I was used to be.

[kaydancechick]

Magnesium is my new favourite go-to to help me sleep better. But establishing a routine in general is a huge plus, and for me personally it all starts with my skincare routine! A few favourites that I include in it are things with subtle, calming, fragrances such as REN Clean Skincare Evercalm™ Overnight Recovery Balm 1.02 oz/ 30 mL, REN Clean Skincare Flash Hydro-Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion 1.3 oz/ 38 mL and Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Retinoid Night Oil .

[Kim888]

Keeping to a sleep routine is usually fairly easy for me since I get up for work at the same time every day! Things did get away from me a bit during the holidays for sure! 

I do like to relax with some non serious TV and a nice candle!  TOCCA Capri Candle 10 oz/ 287 g  is one of my faves for a light scent! One thing I've really been trying to do is watch any alcohol intake during the week. I don't drink a ton, but its easy for things to get away from me when I'm meeting up with friends and my sleep cycle always gets messed up if I have more than 2 drinks!

[Guessgal]

@Kim888 I find that alcohol helps me fall asleep quickly (not that I drink often by any means, but just something I’ve noticed). Do you mean it might cause you to oversleep?

[Kim888]

@Guessgal If I have 1-2 glasses of wine generally that gives a good night sleep or has no impact. But if I drink more than that I toss and turn a lot and have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep 

[blueskydreams]

I have been working on my sleep routine lately as I find a poor sleep really affects my day 😔

I've always had a hard time winding down for bed and it takes me a long time to the point of turning off everything. 

Slowly making a routine has really helped and I make sure to include relaxing things. Sometimes when I'm stressed I take a bath with Epsom salts and bubble bath. This really helps with pain and relaxation.

I also put on a YouTube channel on my TV in the bedroom with relaxing music/visuals. There are lots of great ones: scenic views, a fireplace, underwater scenes. The music is usually gentle, relaxing and unwinding.

A heat bag for my feet, some pillow spray, and decaf tea also have become part of my routine.

Sweet dreams everyone! 💤

[CookieGirl1]

At least one night per week I make it a point of having a "spa night" where I set aside a little extra time before bed to take a hot shower and apply a nice leave-in conditioner that I can rinse out in the morning, use a favorite body cream, maybe do my nails or use a face mask, and spray my pillow with a favorite fragrance.  I end up feeling so relaxed that I definitely feel like I sleep better afterward.