Self-discovery doesn't have to be all about self-help books or major life-changing experiences. When it's all said and done, it is the little things throughout your day that can help you discover the true you that lies beneath the chaos of your daily life. So take five minutes here and five minutes there to pamper yourself and reflect on the inner you. After all, you deserve it.
Wake Up Time
- In that five to 10 minutes when you're playing the alarm-clock-snooze game, place a cool, damp washcloth over your eyes. Or use a gel-filled beauty mask. It will zap any puffiness you may have before you even make it to a mirror.
- Put a little dab of essential oil on your temples. Eucalyptus or tea tree oil will help soothe you as you get your day started.
- Stretch. Wake up your back, arms and legs with a few simple reaches. It's not as invigorating as a full massage, but it will loosen you up enough to feel more awake.
Bath Time
- Exfoliate your skin. Olay Body Wash Plus Spa Exfoliating Ribbons wraps an actual ribbon with seaweed extract and micro beads around your body to gently exfoliate. So gentle, in fact, that this is one luxury you can partake in every day.
- Treat yourself to a bit of the bubbly — as in bubble bath. Find a scent that really appeals to you, then fill your tub with the hottest water you can stand and let the bubbles multiply before you get in. Your mind will discover a moment of peace and quiet and your muscles will thank you.
- Burn a candle or light some incense before getting into the bath or shower. The extra aroma will help you relax, reflect and make bath time slightly more extravagant.
At Work (Yes, you can treat yourself at work!)
- Give yourself a midday hand massage. Take the thumb and forefinger of one hand and squeeze at the base of each finger. Work your way up to the fingertips by squeezing and rubbing. And pay special attention to the fingertips. When all 10 fingers have been massaged, rub your palms with your thumbs. Your whole body will feel the benefits.
- Have a soothing cup of tea. Find a flavor you really enjoy and keep some bags nearby for impromptu tea times. Or if you're not a tea drinker, discover a way to jazz up a boring glass of water — bring some fruit in a plastic container and drop a few pieces into a glass of ice water, then guzzle and enjoy.
- Bring a scented candle to your workplace. Place it on your desk to enjoy the light fragrance or for the full scent experience, warm the wax with a USB candle warmer. Just make sure the scent won't bother anyone nearby. There's nothing relaxing about complaining coworkers.
Hands and Feet
- Rub some creamy lotion into your hands and feet paying special attention to the cuticles. Slip on some cottony gloves and socks and let your skin absorb the moisture. Do this for 10 minutes or leave on overnight while you're sleeping. You'll discover pretty, satiny hands and feet when you wake up.
- Give your cuticles a little push! Rub some lotion into your cuticles or use some cuticle oil. Let it sit for a minute or two, then lightly push your cuticles down.
- Discover your creative side — paint your nails a sassy color. If you've always loved the look of deep purple, but worried the shade was reserved for punk rockers, fear no more. Try it out and see how discovering something new (even if it is just nail polish) gives your confidence a boost.
- Soak your feet. Get a bowl large enough for both of your feet, fill it with hot water, some Epsom salts and a few drops of scented oil. Just soak your feet until the water cools to experience a few minutes of relaxation and reveal feet that feel and smell heavenly.
