This post is installment #5 of the ABK Quick Reads series.  These posts are for the busy millennial, designed to be read from top to bottom in 5 minutes or less and this particular topic is near and dear to my heart! Self care is a huge part of how I manage stress, cultivate gratitude, and just overall live my best life. I’ve shared some of my favorites with you in other areas, so I thought it would only be fair to share my self care faves as well. So here we go!

Love in My Language by Alex Elle and salt. by Nayyirah Waheed

First up on my list is my favorite Ebony and Ivory duo. Both of these books are incredible works of poetry, prose, and storytelling. I love to read and I love the art of writing. I donate a lot of the books I buy to my local library because if I’m probably not going to read it again, why not? And, minimalism. I like having my books, but I’m not quite ready for a large bookcase yet. But these two will never be donated because they just have a special way of lifting my spirits.

Love in My Language

salt.

You can find these amazing writers @alex_elle and @nayyirah.waheed on Instagram.

Lifestyle with Ivory + Ash Gratitude and Love Cards

If you’re an OG follower, you’ll know that I got the “gratitude” and '“love” card collections almost two years ago when I was just beginning this blogging journey! The love collection centers on love rooted in three types of valuable relationships: relationship with self, relationship with kin, and relationship with a significant other. The gratitude collection celebrates gratitude, which they believe is the foundation to receiving blessings. The creators behind Lifestyle with Ivory + Ash (Deun Ivory and Lauren Ash) are beautiful black women with visions of promoting and creating space for black women in the self care realm. Deun’s artwork is so minimalistic and stunning and Lauren’s words are refreshing. Their online shop has a variety of products for self care (many of which are sold out at the moment, sorry!) and their work is just incredible. They are also the masterminds behind Black Girl In Om where the mission is to promote holistic wellness and inner beauty for women of color (you see why I love them, right?) You can find them on Instagram as @ivoryandashlife and @blackgirlinom.

Lifestyle with Ivory + Ash website

You can find these amazing writers @hellolaurenash and @deunivory on Instagram.

Affirmators!

I love these little cards! I don’t even remember where I first saw them, but I know that I must’ve eyed them for months before purchasing them. They were created by comedian Suzi Barrett with fun and positive affirmations in mind. These cards are really quick pick-me-ups that you can read when you’re having a bad day, or if you want to start your day off with a little inspiration but don’t have time for something more extensive. They’re also very travel friendly and come in cute little boxes!

Love & Relationships

Originals

Some of my other faves include my diffuser and music. Not everyone is super into it, but it works for me. I have multiple playlists for multiple moods/needs because I know what music does for me. Tap into your creative source (music, television, writing, etc.) when you need an extra boost and watch magic happen.

That’s it! I hope you found this post useful and informative and as always, thanks for journeying with me.