What Slowing Down Looks Like for Me: A gentle reflection for International Self-Care Day

Life can get extremely busy and intense. Between work, family, responsibilities, and that ever-growing to-do list, it’s easy to feel like rest is something we have to earn, instead of something we’re allowed to choose.

But today, on International Self-Care Day, I’m reminding myself (and maybe you too?) that we’re allowed to take a breath. To pause. To reach for the things that make us feel grounded, calm, and a little more like ourselves.

For me, that often means a trip to the spa for a day or just for a massage, getting my nails done, going for a walk, reading a good book or reaching for a crochet or knitting project.

Sometimes it’s casting on something new just because it brings joy.

Sometimes it’s picking up a familiar WIP that doesn’t ask too much of me.

Other times it’s simply sitting quietly, squishing yarn, not even stitching, just…being.

Knitting and crocheting don’t magically fix things but they do create a pocket of stillness and a rhythm that helps me return to myself, one stitch at a time. Since I started experiencing perimenopause symptoms (nearly three years ago), self-care has become much more important for me – my mental health literally depends on it!

So if you’re reading this and you’ve been go-go-going lately, maybe this is your sign:

Give yourself permission to look after yourself

Let yourself rest

Let yourself make just for joy

Happy International Self-Care Day 💛

What does slowing down look like for you?