selfcare

Some days I feel deeply tired — not just physically, but emotionally.

Quiet. Worn out. Like I need softness more than motivation.

Lavender has always helped me through those moments. I use the essential oil during emotional dips, and the scent alone brings me back to center.

So I designed a shirt.

Not a loud one. Just a soft, simple tee I can wear when I need to feel grounded.

Something that carries calm energy with me. Something that reminds me to breathe.

I shared the full story here if you’d like to read it:

👉 Why I Designed a Shirt for My Tired, Quiet Self?

And if you’re curious to see the shirt, you can find it here:

🛍 taplink.cc/elenazhidkovarice

Would love to know — do you have anything (a scent, a ritual, even clothing) that helps you feel emotionally supported?

Elena

#aromatherapy #emotionalhealing #selfcare #lavender #anxietyrelief #rituals #calmwear #mindfulclothing #personalstory @kasiagirl8 @rafaelopezjr

I created a little poll to get a sense of what you're most curious about in this space.

You’re welcome to vote for more than one — or just reflect quietly.

There’s no pressure, just presence 🌿

I’d love to shape this space with you.

-Elena

#aromatherapy #olfactotherapy #gentleliving #selfcare #emotionalhealing

I’d love to get a sense of where you are in your journey with scent.

Some people use essential oils every day. Others are just curious, or not sure where to begin.

If you feel like sharing:

✨ Have you ever tried essential oils?

✨ Is there a scent you’re drawn to — or one you’re unsure about?

I work with oils and aroma rituals every day, so if you ever have questions or just want to explore together, I’m here. No pressure, just presence. 🌱

Let’s keep gently growing this space, one small ritual at a time.

— Elena

#EssentialOils , #aromatherapy , #selfcare , #gentleliving

Good morning, everyone! I wanted to share a little morning (and evening) ritual that’s become one of my non-negotiables for self-care. It’s simple, it’s sensory, and it makes me feel so refreshed before the day even begins.

Here’s how I do it:

Before I eat, drink, or even brush my teeth, I start with oil pulling.

🌀 I take 1 teaspoon of cocoa oil and add 1 drop of tea tree or peppermint essential oil.

I swish it gently around my mouth and gums for about 5 minutes — don’t swallow! Then I spit it out and rinse with warm water.

After that, I brush my teeth, and here’s the kicker — I add another drop of tea tree or peppermint to my toothpaste, water flosser, or even mouthwash.

It leaves my mouth feeling super clean, fresh, and grounded. 🌱 It’s like a detox for my mouth and a reset for my senses.

I do this every morning and night, and it’s become a quiet ritual that sets the tone for the rest of my routine.

✨ Have you ever tried oil pulling or adding essential oils to your oral care?

✨ What’s your morning or evening ritual that makes you feel good — physically, emotionally, energetically?

Would love to hear your impressions or anything you do regularly that helps you feel balanced and present.

Let’s build a little rhythm of rituals here 💬🌸

Have a wonderful weekend!

— Elena

#aromatherapy #EssentialOils #selfcare #MorningRoutine #nightroutine #dailypractice #emotionalhealing @kasiagirl8

If you’ve joined recently — I’m so glad you’re here.

This space is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, tender, curious, or just plain tired of holding everything together.

You’re welcome to simply read and breathe. Or share, whenever it feels right.

If you'd like a gentle starting point, here’s a quiet question:

What scent, ritual, or small moment has helped you lately — even just a little?

There’s no pressure to respond. Just know: you’re not alone here.

With scent and care,

Elena

#aromatherapy #emotionalhealing #selfcare #gentleliving #anxietysupport

The Sacred Sound of Silence

I’ve learned that silence is golden. I’m not saying that to sound cliché — it’s truly, deeply golden. The world demands movement, noise, and attention. For me, silence has become a sacred and precious space. It’s in the quiet moments that I reflect and really feel my emotions fully. I’m allowed to simply exist — without judgment, without fixing, and without rushing to move past them.

When the Mind Won’t Slow Down

I have scattered thoughts that run miles a minute. My brain doesn’t like to stay still for too long, so I seize any opportunity to stop it from spinning. I crave those moments of calm. I long for peace that soothes both a loud world and a loud mind. Because truthfully, it gets exhausting trying to keep up with everyone and everything.

Choosing Isolation as a Reset, Not an Escape

For me, isolation isn’t loneliness. It’s how I reset. I’m not avoiding life; I’m slowing down and listening inward. I enjoy retreating into silence. It’s a profound experience, being able to sit and be still. It doesn’t happen often, but as a form of self-care, I try to implement it as much as possible. It helps me recenter and stabilize my mind. In those moments, I allow myself to simply be.

Ways to Embrace Stillness

Stillness isn’t always easy — especially when your mind is loud, or the world around you won’t quiet down. But like any self-care practice, it starts small and builds over time. Here are a few gentle ways to invite more silence and stillness into your life:

Recognize what is loud:

Becoming aware of environmental noise, like constant notifications, background TV, or even loud conversations, can help you intentionally carve out more peaceful space. “Tune in to what is going on around you so that you can become aware of ways to reduce unnecessary sounds that may be causing stress.” —(North Star)

Become friends with your thoughts and feelings:

It can be uncomfortable at first, but this awareness is often where healing begins. “One of the reasons we steer clear of quiet is that it means we may become aware of our thoughts and what is happening inside of us in those quiet moments.” —(North Star)

Focus on one thing at a time:

This practice brings your attention to the present, reducing mental stress and increasing calm. “Choose one thing at a time and be intentional to focus on one task. Choose quiet music while you work on it to help you focus or find a silent space.” —(North Star)

Practice meditation:

Starting with even a few minutes a day can help you feel more centered and connected. “You can use guided meditations with apps such as Headspace to help you get started, as it can feel difficult to try this out on your own right away. You may feel silly, but know that this is important for your well-being and it is worth it.” —(North Star)

The Healing Power of Gentle Activities

Taking time to do the things you enjoy is a necessary form of self-care. For me, it’s coloring, journaling, cooking — any activity that gently distracts my mind from the mental noise. Time seems to pass faster when you’re in the process of healing.

Redefining Productivity and Worth

I don’t need to be productive all the time to feel valuable. I deserve to treat myself, and for me, that means doing things that are stimulating yet relaxing. Sitting in silence is comfortable. I don’t need to be loud to be heard. Sometimes, the most powerful thing I can do is pause — and just let myself feel it all.

Learning to Sit With My Emotions

For a long time, I suppressed my feelings. I preferred numbness over confronting stressful, persistent, or intrusive thoughts. My mind meanders all over the place, and sometimes it’s difficult and exhausting to keep up with. But I’m learning to take each emotion as it comes. I’m trying to sit in the stillness — to let myself heal emotionally and physically.

“Sometimes the most powerful thing I can do is pause — and simply let myself feel it all.”

Nicole Greco

*Sources: North Star Counseling Center– The Self Care of Silence: Tips for finding quiet moments in ...

#MentalHealth #Mindfulness #selfcare

After going through a really tough time mentally, I can finally say I’m feeling much better. The heaviness has lifted, my thoughts are clearer, and I feel more like myself again. It took time, patience, and small steps, but I’ve come a long way.

I'm focusing now on building healthier habits, staying present, and appreciating the calm after the storm. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about feeling okay, and that feels like a huge win.

If you're in the middle of your struggle, just know that things can change. Healing happens in quiet moments, and one day, you might look up and realize you're doing better than you thought.

#mentalhealthrecovery #healingjourney #feelingbetter #Hope #selfcare #progress

They always talk about "self care"...

"Make sure to make time to use your charcoal face mask and teeth whitener!"

But what if self care... was simply... staying alive?

For me personally, lupus and anti-phospholipid syndrome wreak havoc on my body. I'm tired all the time, hungry all the time. Everything hurts all the time.

So I'll be the first to raise my hand and say... I suck at taking showers. There's just barely any time that I'm not in pain or feeling well enough to drag myself into the shower.

So self care?

What that looks like for me?

It looks like brushing my teeth - and sometimes using mouth wash- and flossing.

It looks like washing my face with gentle cleanser because of my butterfly rash that comes along with lupus. Don't forget to moisturize.

It looks like the simplest task of taking my contacts out and putting my glasses on for the night. And trust me, if you had the option to see me in those glasses, you'd opt out.

It looks like taking 15 different pills and medications each night and each morning. Sometimes I wonder if I even need them...

But that's it. And sometimes that has to be enough. Unfortunately some of us don't have the luxury of charcoal face masks every night and cucumbers on the eyes.

But every day you're on this side of the dirt, it's a million dollar day.

So maybe your self care is just brushing your teeth, and your hair?

That's okay.

Maybe you do have time for self care... or maybe you are simply staying alive. Either way, I am so proud of you for where you stand today.

Keep climbing even when your legs hurt. The view is always better at the top.

I love you, and I'll see you soon.

#Lupus #AntiphospholipidSyndrome #self #Bipolar1 #selfcare #MentalHealth