Amidst busy work days, after school activities, and the hustle and bustle of chores comes the rare Day Off. A day where we are scheduled off for holiday purposes, a mental health day requested at work, or even a day where everyone else has plans but you. Take it. Run with it. Be messy, be creative, be present.
The Magic and Power of a Day Off
Right now the snow is settled on the ground. The earth is still. The neighbors are cleaning off their cars, wondering if the next gust of wind is going to knock them over. I chose to stay in, take things slow as Chris works from home. I woke up at 8, poured some iced coffee with oatmilk and a drizzle of maple syrup, and head right for the shower.
I may have mentioned it before, but there is magic in the simple task of showering / bathing. We use soap to wash off yesterday’s dirt, allowing the warm water to drench and hydrate our skin. I chose to be intentional today. I focused on the power of scent, water, and every motion I made.
The Shower
We start with letting the water heat up to our desired temperature. Warmth is good for the soul, like a big hug first thing in the morning or last thing at night. I’m a morning person when it comes to cleansing. You choose what works for you.
I am in no way affiliated with businesses as of right now, but I want to mention some products I’ve been in love with lately. For the longest time, I dyed my hair, used the cheapest shampoo I could find, and really didn’t pay mind to the health of my locks. I do get haircuts at least every two months – just a trim – to keep it as healthy as possible. Before the holidays, I decided enough was enough. No more dye. No more cheap shampoo that clearly didn’t work for me.
So I read reviews, researched, and came across KITSCH. Bar shampoo, not bottled. And let me tell you, I’m never going back. My hair feels natural and healthy and hydrated for the first time in years. This bar soap packs a punch and it also slowed me down a millisecond enough for me to enjoy the process of washing my hair – a magical switch for sure. (And I’m still on the first bar of each 2 months later. This stuff really does last!)
Scents can be integrated into magical practice. The shampoo / Conditioner Rice Water Protein bars I use now have hints of mandarin orange and white tea. This is associated with joy, purity, spiritual awareness. I focus on pulling in happiness every time I use this duo. If you look at your shampoo and body soap, there are a lot of magical correspondences to focus on and choose from. Scents invoke memory and emotions, so think it through next time you’re going to purchase bath and body care.
Some common scents in shampoo, conditioner, and body wash:
- Vanilla – love, feminine energy, calming
- Orange – happiness, energy
- Lavender – relaxation, sleep
- Chamomile – relaxation, sleep
- Lemon – focus, energy, memory
- Peppermint – energy, focus, purity
- Rose – love, sexuality, romance
- Rosemary – memory, ancestry, family
- Hemp – spiritual connection, healing
- Eucalyptus – cleansing, purity, vitality
Be intentional when you wash. Really take in the scents, feel the negativity wash away from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. And if you have the time, maybe take a few extra minutes to truly enjoy the comfort of this self-care.
Day Off Lunch Time Refuel
I admit that I did end up cleaning a bit after getting dressed this morning. Chris told me not to worry about things today and enjoy my day off. But as someone who hates letting things pile up, I ran the laundry, cleaned the dining room table off, and took the trash out. I didn’t know what to do with myself. My dream of writing all day seemed far away as I spotted a few things around the house I wanted to do – all housework. So I stopped myself. I chose to make us a nourishing lunch, slow down, and remember my goals for the day. Self-care needed to be first.
I baked a marinated salmon filet, cooked up some quinoa, and make a quick cucumber, red onion, tomato salad. We topped everything off with some mediterranean dressing and feta. This lunch was about grounding myself, pulling in the strength to give myself grace, and fueling my body the right way.
So if you have the time, or a day off, use the extra energy to create something nourishing. Your body and mind will thank you.
Journaling
There are probably a million different references and resources to how journaling is good for a person. Because it is 100% true. It is venting, expressing oneself, being creative, and allowing old or pent up emotions to escape your mind and soul. Buy yourself a cute journal or start an online diary. Either way, get to writing. Even if your spelling could be brushed up on or you just don’t know how to put things into words. No writing skill is necessary to express yourself.
I decided today was the perfect day to write a post that was mostly me journaling. I summed up my day and shared with you how I centered myself. Self-care is everything, otherwise we crumble. Today was about taking things slowly, showing you all that little things matter. Personal time matters. I could’ve ordered Chris and I a gluten free pizza, but I chose to give us something special for lunch. We had our lunch on the couch, watched our favorite YouTube show, and soaked in a moment of peace.
As we all continue to drop our mouths in shock or awe at the world, furrow our brows, or even cry, it is so important to take care of yourself and your family first. So take the day off.
Breathe. Keep breathing.
And know you are loved.
Blessed be.