Sometimes, the best form of self-care is change. In my case it came in the form of garden time. Read on for a peek into my life and how changing things up for me might help you on your self-care journey as well.
Back from Vacation… and Back to the Grind
A couple of weeks ago, I took a vacation and enjoyed some time away from the day-to-day hustle. It was a nice break—but when I returned, I found myself sliding right back into old patterns: checking off tasks, getting back into work mode, and letting physical activity and self-care slip to the bottom of my list.
Then came the push to get ready for the photo shoot.
The Photo Shoot That Became a Wake-Up Call
Then came the push to get ready for a photo shoot. I had booked a professional photo shoot to get some much needed branding photos to use on my website and social media platforms. I wanted part of the shots to be outside to help reinforce the fact that our products are all natural and created with essential oils from plant materials.
But my backyard area was a mess! Being a small business owner and coming off of pretty much not stop round of a very show, Christmas sales and more shows meant no garden time at all!!
If you’ve ever cleaned your yard, spruced up your porch, or done a little “home refresh” all at once… you know it’s a workout. My Fitbit clocked over 15,000 steps one of those days! Yes, I was sore. But something unexpected happened too—I felt better. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I realized that time in the garden had self-care benefits I needed to start taking advantage of.
That physical movement, being outdoors, seeing my space transform—it all helped me hit a reset button I didn’t even know I needed.
It reminded me that self-care doesn’t always look like slowing down.
Sometimes, it means shaking things up. Moving your body. Changing your environment. Giving yourself permission to step out of your usual rhythm and try something different.
A New Commitment: Garden Time as Self-Care
For me, that means making a new commitment:
Making garden time happen at least once a week.
It will me a chance to move, think, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the tangible reward of a prettier, more peaceful space. It feels like care for my home and my well-being.
Oh—and the photo shoot? It went wonderfully. I’m so excited to share those images with you soon, and I think you’re going to love what we captured.
Your Turn: What Shift Could Help You Feel Better?
So if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just off lately, I encourage you to check in with yourself. What’s one small shift you could make? Maybe it’s a walk, a new hobby, or a little fresh air and dirt under your fingernails. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to change it up.
Treat Yourself Naturally
Turn your self-care time into a ritual with products made to nourish your body and mind. Explore our handcrafted, essential oil-infused soaps, body oils, and more to help you turn your next moment of rest into a ritual.
Featured Self-Care Favorite: Susan’s Lavender Sage Body Oil
Why I Love It:
This body oil is my go-to after a long day of gardening or photo shoot prep. It’s lightweight, deeply nourishing, and filled with the calming scents of lavender, sage and patchouli essential oils. The base oil is safflower which means it soaks in and moisturizes your skin without leaving it greasy! It’s the perfect follow-up to any kind of movement or moment of self-care.
Shop Lavender Sage Body Oil (It’s one of the scents of our Bodacious Body Oils.)
Change can be the most beautiful form of self-care.
Take care of you—
Susan
