As I’ve mentioned quite a few times, the last few weeks have been emotionally and physically draining for me. Moving is always hard but doing that with a demanding job, persistant blog, and in the midst of NYFW is about a million times crazier. I feel like I’ve had no time for me at all. I literally barely even check my Instagram feed (Talk about social suicide!).

It has been so important throughout this process to literally force myself to take time to relax, recharge, and treat myself. Here is what I did. I hope it inspires you to create a little “me-time” this week! If you’re in need of a personal day, check out this post I wrote last year.

1. Get Your Glow On
Last weekend, I was physically exhausted and from packing boxes and running around in the heat for NYFW and emotionally exhausted given the fact that it was my last weekend as a New Yorker. Luckily for me, the amazing team at Erno Laszlo’s The Institute offered me an afternoon of luxury with a facial that featured micro-dermabrasion, a 25 minute LED light treatment, an assortment of high-end facial products, and an all around pampering experience.

Obviously this type of day isn’t generally an option, but check out spas nearby and book yourself a facial. The face massage alone does wonders but it also has long-term effects. I was recently tested and found out that I have the skin of a 23 year old (I’m 29). It’s because I’m a stickler about sunscreen (SPF 45 every day) and I get facials every 4 weeks religiously. I have almost no wrinkles or sun spots. The woman giving me the test was shocked!

2. Whip your hair back and forth
A few days before my fancy facial, Joico gave me THE BEST blow out I’ve ever had (pictured above). No but really. . . I was super hungover when I arrived last Friday morning so the dark hair-washing room complete with comfy chairs and a head massage was exactly what the doctor ordered. Plus I left looking like a movie star. Win-win!

If I’m ever rich and famous, I plan to get blow-outs 2x/week. It’s a luxury that completely changes the way I feel about myself. I can be dressed like crap and look tired, but a good blow out keeps me holding my head up high.

3. Give into that Craving
I’ve been dairy-free for 6 years now and I crave it most on hot summer days when I want ice cream. Last weekend was especially sticky-hot so I ventured downtown for a mint chip vegan ice cream cone from Van Leeuwen. Thank God they don’t serve vegan ice cream everywhere because I’m pretty sure that I’d eat it every day.

4. Unplug
At one point I had to shut down my computer, put my iPhone on airplane mode, and disconnect from the noisy online world for a few hours. Anel and I had a glass of wine and actually connected in a meaningful way for the first time all week. It’s amazing what a little R&R sans screens can do.

5. Quick Fix
My favorite life-hack is to go to the nail salon and pay $12 for a 10-minute back massage. It’s cheap, it takes 10 minutes and it can totally turn your day around. I recommend this during a lunch break or in between meetings. Life. Changing.

Photos by Meaghan.