We have all heard the saying "work hard, play harder." It is the idea that if you do your work to the best of your ability, then you need to play even harder--e.g., party, drink, get crunk, dance, get loose, rock out with your cock (American Pie reference)... I think you get the point.

It is a great idea. It encourages that you take time to treat yourself. The problem is this type of activity works well when you are in your 20s. Well, at least when I was in my 20s and living in New York City, partying until 4am on a Friday and then hitting a food spot for a 5am breakfast was fun. It made some of grad school stress melt away after a week of classes and studying. But now that I am in my 30s, I just can't hang like that anymore. Clubs have lost their appeal. If I do decide to go out, I'd rather relax at a lounge and be in bed by 1am (maybe 2am if it is an especially fun night).

Instead of partying harder, I am more invested in self-care. This idea of rewarding yourself is simpler than going out and "partying." It can be a small thing, such as taking the time to meditate for 15 minutes during the day, or it can be a big thing, such as attending a Beyonce concert. Self-care is making sure that you take some time to be selfish, to do something that makes YOU happy. As we get older, we gain more and more responsibilities, including work, school, family, and kids, and can easily put ourselves at the end of the long list of things we need to do.

In the video below, I talk about a few ways I take care of myself. Hopefully, you guys and gals out there get a few ideas on how to put self-care at the top of your to-do list.