We can all agree that adulthood is hard.

Not only are there so many things to juggle and figure out, but you also have to learn how to manage a job, navigate finances, and, yep - relationships. 

This time of year puts a full spotlight on relationships as February is home to the holiday of love, Valentine's Day - a cherished event celebrated worldwide dedicated to expressing your admiration for family, friends, and significant others. Yet, one type of relationship rarely gets any attention on V-Day and is arguably the most significant of them all - our relationship with ourselves.

Now that February 14th has passed and we have taken time to shower others with love let's take some time to shower ourSELVES with love with a bit of self-care - an essential practice that's all about making sure you're taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental needs. After all, if you're going to have the energy to create strong relationships with others, you need to create a strong relationship with yourself first. 

Sometimes the perfect way to show yourself some TLC is to cozy up with a romantic comedy and a glass of your favorite vino. Or, for others, it could be tuning into your favorite podcast while baking a mouthwatering dessert to treat yourself. Maybe it's taking a morning stroll before your busy day gets out of hand, soaking in a bubbly bath while reading your favorite book, or simply lighting a candle while you pour your heart out to your journal – however you choose to "self-care," it's all about taking a moment to focus on yourself.

So be the center of your attention this week with Bloom's 5 Steps to Self-Care!

Step One: Light the Candle

Wanna know the secret to starting your self-care the right way? 

Light a candle.

The soft glow and soothing aromas will fill your space with a warm and cozy atmosphere, the perfect ambiance for treating yourself. Not only will lighting a candle set the mood, but research has even shown that candles can actually help reduce stress and promote feelings of well-being - the very essence of self-care.

If you're on the hunt for that perfect candle and you want to support a local business, Rural Candle Co. has some great options for you, and you can even find them at Bloom's store in downtown Algona, IA! Handmade with love by local Jenna Swanson, their wood-wick soy blended candles will be the perfect addition to your self-care routine. And the best part? Jenna's constantly creating new, exciting fragrances to discover and enjoy!

Try Blue Berry Cobbler or Cocoa Butter Cashmere today, your senses will thank you!

Step Two: Shower Steamers

Nothing says self-care like soaking with a bath bomb. A tiny ball fizzles in the water while releasing calming fragrances that help soothe your stress as the hot water surrounds you with relaxation. Ahh...

While that sounds like a dream to some, others prefer showers, and that's okay!

If you want to treat yourself to a soothing, spa-like retreat without actually submerging in a bath, then enjoy the shower-friendly alternative to bath bombs - shower steamers. Every time you step into the shower, you'll feel like you've been whisked away to a peaceful oasis as each little cube releases therapeutic scents to relax, restore, and rejuvenate. 

Using a shower steamer is so simple - just pop it onto the shower floor or into a corner! And if you purchased a 4-pack from us, the shower steamers come with a handy mesh bag that you can hang from the shower head to create a luxurious spa-like atmosphere. But, of course, the best part is that you never have to leave home to achieve effortless aromatherapy. 

Step Three: Diffuse the Oils

Add even more aromatherapy into your self-care routine with essential oils! Extracted from plants, fruits, and vegetables - essential oils have been essential in aromatherapy for centuries promoting inner healing and relaxation. Whether you diffuse them in the air, inhale them directly from the bottle, or massage them into the skin - they can help reduce stress, improve mood, and create a calming atmosphere perfect for that much-needed R&R. 

If you're ready to start diffusing oils today, visit our Diffuser Bar! From our extensive selection of Rare Essence oils to various diffusers, we have everything you need to begin your aroma-filled journey today.

Step Four: Warmies! 

Once you've lit your candle, enjoyed a soothing shower steamer, and indulged in some aromatherapy, you're ready to snuggle up with Warmies and feel truly pampered. 

Warmies are revolutionary, with the flexibility to be chilled or warmed to suit whatever you need at any moment. Need some heat to relax your shoulders or perhaps a cold compress to soothe tired eyes? Warmies can do it all. 

These weighty wonders offer a luxuriously soft and cuddly experience that's just the thing for your self-care routine. So get comfy and cozy with a Warmie eye mask, slippers, or neck wrap. 

Step Five: Flower Power

Never doubt flower power. The bright colors and fragrances of these beautiful blooms can bring peace and serenity to any area, transforming even the gloomiest places into something radiant and lovely.

Having flowers in your home is a great way to improve your mental health and practice self-care. Not only do they have the ability to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, but they can also increase overall happiness and optimism! Even the simple act of tending to flowers is therapeutic while gifting them can help to strengthen relationships. There are countless reasons why flowers are such an invaluable part of our lives and our mental health.

Valentine's Day may be over, but that doesn't mean we can't continue to show ourselves some love. After all, self-care is self-love.