Self-Care for Women 101: Be Your Best, Most Empowered Self This Year

Plenty of women are rock stars when it comes to taking care of those they love most but aren’t as quick to realize that self-care is important, too. Self-care isn’t just about steering clear of toxic situations or treating yourself to a lengthy bubble bath when you really need one, either.

It can actually take a lot of different forms. Consider making this year the year you explore them all and make them a regular part of your routine.

Start with the Basics

In today’s fast-paced world, many people who habitually burn the candle at both ends are actually proud of not having time to sleep enough, work out on the regular, or eat right. Those that understand the power of self-care, on the other hand, know how unsustainable that is. Without enough sleep, enough downtime, and enough good quality nourishment, it’s impossible to be your best and perform at full capacity, so start your journey there.

Make Time for What Matters

If you’re like most modern women, it probably seems as if there’s always something that needs to be done sooner rather than later. If it’s not actual work, it’s grocery shopping, bill-paying, or staying on top of your busting email inbox and that’s fine. Just make sure you’re also making time for more.

We’re talking about the things you really love to do simply for their own sake. Whatever it is that brings you joy, it’s time to start treating it like the priority that it is and making it a regular part of your life again. Even trying something you haven’t tried before in terms of sexuality. A solo butt plug experience can be delightful. On the flip side, it’s also important to make time to simply do nothing in particular from time to time.

Speak Up and Speak Out

Far too many women simply get used to being told they’re out of line for being assertive and having strong opinions. While we logically know how ridiculous that is deep down, it’s still all too easy to internalize that negativity. Adequate self-care means sticking up for yourself, as well as for other women. If something seems wrong or doesn’t feel right in your gut, put your foot down. Say something and do something. It’s time we all really understood that we deserve better than the world wants to give us at times.

Enjoy the Occasional Indulgence

You positively kill it at the office all week long. You’ve got that “no excuses” approach to working out in the bag and then some. You’re an ace at making your family and friends feel like top priorities as well. In other words, you work hard for what you have, and you’re great at keeping yourself on track. That’s exactly why you deserve a break and a treat once in a while. It takes more than one personal day off or one slice of chocolate cake to derail all your usual hard work, so give yourself permission to enjoy those things when you need them.

Take Control of Your Own Pleasure

Putting yourself in the driver’s seat when it comes to your own personal pleasure is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself as a woman. Self-pleasure can (and should) be so much more than just a way to scratch that familiar itch. It can be an amazing way to get to know your own body in indulgent, sensual new ways. If you’re happily partnered, it can make you a better lover as well.

This year, consider starting a pleasure chest and filling it with top notch toys from innovative vendors like FemmeFunn. Open it often and for any reason you like, either on your own or to take lovemaking with your partner to exciting new levels.

Get Out and Get Moving

When was the last time you went outside for some reason other than necessity? We step outside to go to work, to get the mail, and to pick up grocery essentials, but how often do we do it just to feel the sun on our skin or fill our lungs with fresh air? The harder you work, the more you need and deserve the type of reboot some time outside can bring. What you do is up to you. Go for a jog, talk a stroll, or even just spend 20 minutes reading on the porch. See what a difference it really makes.

Dress Up Just Because

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a “good” reason to fix yourself up, that’s part of self-care. Whatever dressing up means to you, it can be incredibly empowering to do it just for the confidence boost, even if all you’ve got on your to-do list is a Wal-Mart run. It can be a massive confidence booster in the bedroom as well, so definitely don’t hesitate to break out your sexiest lingerie whenever the mood strikes. Add your own personal sex massager to the mix and have a lot of fun. You’re unlikely to hear any complaints from your partner! Try it and see.