Yes, a shower can be self-care—here’s how to level it up

Over the course of the last several years, “self-care” has become not only a buzzword, but also a daily requirement for personal fulfillment. And while self-care is important, it loses its appeal when it feels like a chore, or yet another item on a never-ending To Do list. I have a one-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter. I work full-time, and I do not have full-time childcare. As a result, like many parents, free time is the stuff of fairy tales.

Instead of beating myself up over my inability to get to the nail salon or to schedule a monthly massage, I decided to redefine self-care—to be grateful for the little moments, to elevate them. In the seasons of life where you can’t figure out how to fit “self-care” in—or when trying to fit it in causes more stress—choose to relish the small escapes. After all, the intent of self-care is to feel better, to improve your overall health, to fill your cup so you can help to fill others. When the act of scheduling self-care puts more weight on your shoulders, it defeats the purpose.

I can’t tell you how many articles I’ve read that say a shower—basic hygiene—shouldn’t qualify as self-care, and I do understand that sentiment.

However, on the days, weeks, or even months where you can’t find hour-long blocks of scheduled “me time,” why not embrace your shower as an act of self-care?

In all honesty, my nightly shower after my kids go to sleep is beyond. I look forward to it. I set the mood and bask in 10-15 minutes of silence and pampering. Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to boost your shower:

• Light a candle: What is it about the simple act of lighting a candle that sets the mood? I recently received a South Candle from my MIL, and the dreamy summer scent has me reaching for it again and again.
• Use a dry brush: I jumped on the dry brushing trend a few years ago and never looked back. Right before I shower, I use a dry brush on my body to exfoliate and improve lymphatic drainage.
• Hang eucalyptus: Visit your local florist, and buy a bundle of fresh eucalyptus. In addition to its spa-esque scent, eucalyptus boasts multiple healing effects, like promoting stress-relief and improving mental health.
• Cleanse: Indie Lee’s Brightening Cleanser smells delicious and is a great addition to anyone’s summer skincare routine. This vegan and plant-based formula leaves my skin looking bright and firm.
• Splurge: It’s not cheap, but Tata Harper’s smoothing body scrub buffs and polishes your skin, leaving it smooth, glowing, and in my case — ready to hit the sheets!
• Moisturize: Post-shower, use your favorite moisturizer. I love Alba Botanica’s very emollient unscented original body lotion — it’s super hydrating and gentle on sensitive skin without an overwhelming fragrance.
• Enhance your skin while you catch some z’s: Glow Recipe’s Watermelon + AHA Glow Sleeping Mask completes my nightly skincare routine. It smells like candy, and I wake up with soft, dewy skin.

Moral of the story? For busy parents, your nightly shower is a special occasion, so don’t save the good products for another day—use them now!

Elevating the little moments and being creative carries over to all other areas of your life as well. Can’t make it to a barre class? Slide into bridge pose while on the floor with the kiddos and do some hip raises. Turn a dance party into a quick HIIT workout with some squat jumps. Take the kiddos for a walk and pop in your airpods. Fresh air, movement, and a podcast fuels my soul. Having trouble finding a sitter for date night? Enhance your “Netflix and chill” with restaurant-quality cocktails, fancy popcorn, and a bougie dessert.

In certain seasons of life, recognize self-care in the little moments. It’s not worth stressing about your inability to practice an idealistic—and unrealistic—self-care routine. Instead, find the moment, elevate it, and enjoy it.