Self-Care Isn’t Selfish —It’s Self-Respect After 60
Call it pampering if you want. You don’t need permission to spoil yourself - but if you do, consider this your official permission slip. You’re welcome.
This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use and genuinely believe in.
For years, we’ve been the caregivers.
We’ve packed lunches, planned holidays and birthdays, cared for sick parents, worked careers, cooked dinners, balanced budgets, and somehow kept everyone else’s world spinning
Now It’s our Turn!
Not because we’ve earned it.
Because we’ve always deserved it.
Self-care isn’t vanity. It isn’t selfish. It’s maintenance for the woman who has spent decades pouring herself into everyone else.
And here’s the best part…it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Just one afternoon each month devoted entirely to YOU can do wonders for your body, your confidence and your mind.
When we take care of our bodies, we’re better prepared for adventures like I shared in Life Is Short — Get In The Water.
Create Your Monthly Reset
Mark one day every month on your calendar.
No errands.
No grocery shopping.
No laundry.
No guilt.
Just sixty glorious minutes — or a whole afternoon if you can swing it.
Start With A Massage
One of my favorite smells in the world is eucalyptus on your body after a massage. When I lived in California and had my best girlfriends around me, we scheduled a monthly massage. No excuses. No cancellations. This day was non-negotiable. We had monthly memberships to Burke Williams Day Spa. This was not just a spa, it was a Mecca for women who were on the verge of burnout and needed to unwind. I’ve enjoyed many spas all over the country. Most are wonderful. But, there is nothing like Burke Williams. They’ve broken the code. If you live in California, go find one. Now! I’m in Georgia now and while there isn’t a Burke where I live, I have found a few hotel spas in Savannah that do the trick for me.
Understand that my girl squad wasn’t made of money, but we were wise. For every birthday and mother’s day, we requested gift certificates to said spa. We put that towards our day of pampering. You can do the same. We should never be afraid to ask for exactly what we want. In our 60s and beyond we’ve earned the right to be direct.
If your budget allows, a monthly massage might be one of the best investments you can make. Even better if you can do so with a gaggle of rebels just like you.
A massage can help:
ease sore muscles
improve circulation
reduce stress
help you sleep better
get your lymph system moving
relieve neck and shoulder tension from years of carrying…well…everything.
Think of it as preventative maintenance.
Your body has carried you through six decades. It deserves an oil change.
Spa Day At Home — Affordable Ways To Pamper Yourself
No spa? No budget? No problem.
Light a candle. Put your phone away. Turn on your favorite play list. Pour yourself a glass of cucumber water….or champagne. I’m not judging. Because Rebels don’t judge each other. It goes against the code.
Then take a long deep breath, and pamper yourself. Go ahead. You need this.
Ideas for your spa day at home include:
A hydrating sheet mask
Cooling under-eye masks
Gentle exfoliating scrub
Rich overnight face mask
Moisturizing hand treatment
Foot soak in Epsom salts
Luxurious body butter
Lip scrub and nourishing balm
Cuticle oil
Neck and décolletage cream
Moisturizing gloves or socks while you relax
Call me a Rebel. I think a spa day with your book club gals would be the cat’s meow. That’s just me. You can gather your group and come up with a fun spa theme that’s perfect for you.
Don’t Forget Your Hair
Our hair changes after 60. Don’t ask me why. I’m still protesting it.
It becomes drier, finer, and sometimes a little more rebellious that we’d like. Treat it kindly.
Try:
a deep conditioning mask (do they still make VO5?)
scalp massage with nourishing oil
leave-in conditioning treatment
shine serum
heat-free styling for a day
Your hair has earned a vacation too.
Your Feet Have Carried You For Decades
Let’s give them a standing ovation.
Soak them. Scrub them. Massage them. Moisturize them. Paint your toenails a color that makes you feel bold. Then slip into the softest pair of socks you own.
Feed Your Mind Too
Self-care isn’t only skin deep. Spend part of your Rebel Reset doing something that fills your soul.
Maybe that’s:
reading an e-novel
sitting on the porch with coffee
taking a walk
visiting a botanical garden
listening to your favorite album
journaling
working on a puzzle
browsing a bookstore
visiting a museum
having brunch
taking yourself to a movie
buying yourself fresh flowers just because
Small Luxuries That Make A Big Difference
Sometimes it’s the little things that make life special.
Treat yourself to:
a beautiful new candle
fancy pajamas
artisan soap
gourmet tea
dark chocolate
champagne (preferably with the dark chocolate)
fresh eucalyptus in the shower
None of these has to be expensive. They simply have to make you smile.
Build a Little Beauty Basket
Instead of buying everything at once, build your own “Rebel Beauty Basket.”
Each month, add one special item from those I’ve listed above. You know what you love best. If you have a birthday coming up, ask for items to add to your basket. Before you know it, you’ll have your own at-home-spa collection.
The Rebel Beauty Basket Favorites
I've linked a few of my personal favorites below to get your Rebel Beauty Basket started.
Sheet masks - BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Epsom salts - Dr Teal's Epsom Salt Magnesium Soak
Luxury body butter - Soap and Glory The Righteous Body Butter
Deep conditioning hair mask - Dove Intensive Repair 10in1 Mask for Damaged Hair & Breakage
Fancy pajamas - Pajamas for Women Set Silky Satin 2 Piece Lounge Sets with Pockets
Artisan candles - Luxury Eucalyptus & Sage Soy Candle | Large 3 Wick Jar Candle
Here’s The Rebel Rule — Give Yourself Permission
Stop waiting for someone buy your flowers. Buy them yourself.
Stop waiting for someone to tell you to slow down. Give yourself permission.
Stop feeling guilty because you spent a little money on yourself. You’ve spend decades investing in everyone else.
You’re worthy of a monthly investment in YOU.
Final Thoughts
Here’s your assignment Rebel.
Open your calendar. Choose one day next month. Protect it like you would a doctor’s appointment. Because in a way, it is. We’ve spent enough time and money on everyone else’s hobbies. Make this your new hobby and make no excuses for it. This is your appointment with the woman who’s been patiently waiting her turn. And she’s absolutely worth it. Learn more about health and wellness in the Healthy Rebel section of my blog.
Now I’m off to schedule my next massage!
With Rebel Love — Jeannie
Have you had a fabulous Rebel Reset? What's your favorite way to pamper yourself? Share with me and your fellow Rebels in the comments — because good self-care is always worth sharing!