4 Tips to Redefine and Prioritize Self-Care.
As we say goodbye to summer and hello to back to school season, we also welcome a host of new obligations: work projects, school events, family responsibilities… It can feel overwhelming. With a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to lose sight of self-care and mental health. “Me time?” Non-existent. Our solution? Reframe the meaning of self-care with some simple tips to keep yourself in check and avoid burnout.
Tip 1: Sexy time is self-care.
Upstate Mary Co-Founder Melissa Eppard said it best. “Sexual health is an essential part of mental well-being.” If you feel stressed, or are challenged by low libido from hormonal changes, medications, childbirth, or menopause, your relationships and self-esteem might be impacted. Making sex (with your partner or solo!) a priority can help improve your mental state, making it easier to handle other stressful situations. In fact, with every orgasm, your body releases dopamine, the hormone that helps improve your mood and reduce stress, so don’t count sex out when it comes to your self-care strategies.
Tip 2: Think quality over quantity.
If you’ve ever said “I don’t have time for that!” when it comes to self-care, this tip is for you. You don’t need to spend hours at the spa, the gym, or completely clear your schedule. It’s about making sure that you are really dedicating time to you and no one else. No multitasking allowed! Take a walk around the block. Meet a friend for coffee after school drop off. Light an irresistibly delicious smelling candle and enjoy a podcast or music. Focus on choosing something that fills your cup, not how many minutes you spend.
Tip 3: Incorporate CBD into your day.
A simple way to add more chill to your daily routines? CBD. No, it doesn’t get you high. CBD increases blood flow, promotes relaxation, and is known to ease pain and anxiety–all of the benefits without negative side effects. Upstate Mary Co-Founder Melissa Eppard discovered that CBD, a non-psychoactive compound from hemp, could offer significant relief when used in personal lubricants, making sex more pleasurable despite health challenges. That’s why each Upstate Mary lube is formulated with full-spectrum CBD, organic MCT coconut oil and a blend of botanicals, for both soothing and stimulating results. Find which CBD lube is right for you here.
Tip 4: Discover daily pleasures.
Find the points in your day that give you the greatest boost of joy. Notice them. Write them down, maybe. Then make those part of your routine. Is it taking a bath at the end of the day? Calling your BFF? Giving yourself a CBD massage? Rediscovering pleasure is exactly why we started Upstate Mary. We believe everyone deserves pleasure, no matter what your daily challenges and struggles look like. After Melissa Eppard was diagnosed with breast cancer and began her recovery journey, she underwent medical-induced menopause, leaving her without breasts, hair, or fertility. For Melissa, CBD helped her find pleasure again, and alleviated pain and anxiety. Find what helps you feel like you again.
No one is going to give you a prize for checking off all those items on that never-ending to-do list. Notice when you’re feeling stressed and anxious. Slow down a little and avoid burnout because we need you at your best!
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ABOUT UPSTATE MARY
At Upstate Mary, we're all about the power of plants. Formulated with full-spectrum CBD + MCT coconut oil and a blend of organic botanicals, our products offer soothing and stimulating effects. Like your gut, your vagina has its own microbiome and it can be very sensitive. We use organic botanical ingredients, so no disruptors here!
Our Farm to Bedroom™ collection isn’t just for special occasions, one-night stands or mind-blowing orgasms; although we’re here for all of that! We're committed to being the new go-to for our perimenopausal and postmenopausal friends too. Our collection of CBD lubes and suppositories can help address a range of needs, from relieving pelvic floor pain to enhancing blood flow + daily lubrication to offering postpartum care. We're here to support every body.