Why It’s Absolutely Ok To Take A Break: “Counselor Off Duty” Etsy Finds

Happy Sunday my Eclectic Chic family! I hope you have been enjoying your weekend, and are feeling refreshed enough to begin a new week. Today, I had the wonderful pleasure of taking a nice 3 hour nap! Yes, you heard me right. I woke up feeling like a whole new woman. Well rested and restored, indeed. When I talk to my friends, and think about my own personal schedule, there are a lot of responsibilities that we all have to take care of on a daily basis. As a therapist, I have done a lot of counseling sessions that have centered around individuals who have felt the stress and pressure of the pandemic. A lot of people have experienced depressive symptoms, an immense amount of anxiety, low motivation, changes in appetite and sleep-wake cycle, and perhaps grief, as well.

It can sometimes be an interesting process being a support for others, while also sorting out and processing one’s own feelings in real time as new changes are happening within our world. It is a good practice to listen to oneself, understand what you may need to maintain good balance, and implement those things into your routine. For me, it’s making sure that I eat well balanced meals, get good rest (and not stay up too late working on progress notes or treatment plans), and making sure I incorporate some quiet time for myself into my daily routine. Taking a break is easier said than done sometimes. For this Self-Care Sunday, I’m going to share some new Etsy products that are cute reminders for me to turn off my “counselor” role to allow myself rest and take a nice break. 

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This Counselor Is Off Duty

One of the activities I’ve enjoyed this summer has been poolside lounging with my flamingo bath towel and matching flamingo towel clips. The pictures in this post features a Bikini 808 swimsuit that was gifted to me by a designer I worked with while I lived and modeled in Hawai’i. This bikini brings such good memories, because it reminds me of when I wore it as my first look while opening one of the Hawai’i Fashion Month runway shows. The nostalgia associated with certain items helps me to reminisce on times that brought me joy…but I digress.

My first Etsy find pictured above is my new “Counselor Off Duty” cup. It’s a nice reminder to me that, “Yes, this is your day off. You should not feel guilty for taking a break”. I love filling it up with ice cold water to keep me hydrated throughout my time in the heat. It also stays colder for much longer than it would in a traditional cup. Or, since it’s meant to be used during your off time, you can switch it up with a pink moscato. Coordinate with the pink flamingos, and bikini, if you will. This cup has quickly become one of my favorite accessories to sport at the pool. Not to mention, I also get so excited to wear my hair back in cute poom poom ponytails to keep it stylishly off my shoulders while I’m in the sun and pool…and to show off my new piercing. I’m loving my triple forward helix with 3 turquoise crystals to symbolize the celebration of my 30 trips around the sun. You all know I love celebrating fun birthdays with new piercings. 

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What Do You Keep In Your Pool Bag?

To keep in line with the theme, I also ordered this custom “Therapist Off Duty” pool/beach bag. This bag is also made for other professions, as well. I love the vibrant green palm trees and pink hibiscus displayed on the bag. It’s lightweight and holds all of my essentials. What do you keep in your pool bag? Let me know in the comments section below. I like to keep a pair of sunglasses (my favorite butterfly sunglasses I got in my VIP gift bag during NYFW a couple of years ago); my latest Essence magazine; my journal and pen; SPF 70 sunscreen…I don’t play around when it comes to skin protection and preventing sunburns; leave-in conditioning spray for my hair; and miscellaneous things here and there. Am I missing anything? 

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Don’t Forget To Make Time For Yourself

What are things that you have noticed about yourself during this year; and how you’ve responded to all of the new changes that have accompanied it? What are some areas in your life that you have neglected? Are there unique and creative ways that you have coped with daily life stressors to ensure peace, happiness and balance? I want to hear from you, so leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Until next time, Eclectic Chic fam!