Everyone knows we are firm believers in self-care. Sis, it's a fact that if we don't take care of our own mental health, then we can't be the best versions of ourselves for our friends and loved ones. Sometimes, it's hard to find time for yourself amidst all the responsibilities in your life. Especially as Black women! But when you do manage to carve out some space—even just five minutes—it can make all the difference. SO, we want to give you five small ways to help #TeamRVL stay focused on prioritizing ourselves.

It's OK Sis, Put Down Your Phone

You might think you’re the exception, but we all need to unplug once in a while. According to research done by the American Psychological Association, “96% of people reported feeling addicted to their phones and 67% admit they check their devices hourly.” So take a break from your phone at least once per day (not just when you are on vacation) and spend time with real people instead! Make sure not to check your device while driving or eating—or doing anything else for that matter!

Yes, that means social media too !👀 We love our social media platforms just as much as you, it's where we connect most with our #RVLTribe, but there's also been some data that suggests using them excessively may be harmful for mental health: "A recent study found that heavy users (those who log into Instagram scrolling through photos of other peoples' lives at least twice daily) had more symptoms of depression compared [to] those who don't use any social networking site." So if you find yourself feeling stressed out after checking Instagram or worrying about someone else's life on Facebook once too often, consider limiting how much time you spend scrolling through these websites every day—and even deleting them altogether if necessary.

We All Have That Go To Playlist

Not the one you play when your partner pisses you off (stay away from that one lol) You know that playlists that gets you going and every song on it just makes you smile. If you don't have one we suggest you stop reading and create it right now! Think about all the songs that make you feel good. Start your morning off with it to help boost your mood.

Actually Take a Moment to Relax at the End of the Day

At the end of each day, do something that you enjoy as a way to relax and unwind. This is your time to decompress and wind down from the day. You might take a bath or read a book, go for a walk in nature, work on a puzzle 😉 meditate, or do some yoga poses. You can even take time each night to write down some things that went well during the day. It will help you focus on what you have accomplished instead of what has gone wrong or could have been done differently. If time is an issue, honestly a couple minutes of gratitude can really make all the difference. Just make sure it's something that feels good to you. 

Add some aromatherapy to your life

Aromatherapy can actually be considered one of the easiest ways to take care of yourself. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries. In fact, several ancient civilizations were known for their use of fragrant oils in religious ceremonies and as beauty treatments. It's easy to understand why: when we smell something pleasant (whether it be flowers or chocolate chip cookies), it can stimulate feelings that make us feel relaxed or energized—depending on the scent! If you want ideas for scents that might help with specific issues (ie. sleep), a quick Google search will provide plenty of inspiration. So light your favorite candle, add your favorite essential oils to your diffuser or actually bake those cookies because you deserve sis and take a moment for you. 

Again, Remember, a Little Time is All You Need 

It's so easy to get caught up in the craziness of everyday life, but you're an important woman who deserves a little time for yourself! Take a break from work, or your phone, or whatever else is making you feel overwhelmed—and give yourself some time to relax and recharge.

Don't make thinking about needing to make yourself a priority another stressor for you! Do what works for you with the time that you have. But if all else fails, just remember that you are worth taking a little time for yourself each day. It will help keep you feeling refreshed, happy and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.