Opulence91: February 2026: The Self-Love Edit

The February Self-Love Edit

Six Things I Do Consistently to Look Good, Feel Good, and Function Better—Even When Life Is Busy

 

This self-love edit is for the woman who is busy, but intentional. She cares deeply about how she feels and how she presents. She recognizes self care as a standard, not a shallow spectacle, and wishes well to those who still confuse the two. When she feels good in her body and confident in her appearance, she communicates better, responds instead of reacts, and moves through the world with more ease.

Hi, I'm Shay. A certified nutrition coach with a background in the psychology of building sustainable habits, which is exactly how I've learned to make self care a consistent part of my life.

For me, self-love isn’t dramatic or time-consuming. It’s about systems—habits I can repeat even during overstimulating seasons. These practices support my energy, clarity, and confidence so I can function at a high level while still enjoying how I show up.

These are the habits I keep consistent because they work.

 

 

1. I Prioritize Movement (Scheduled Workouts + Weekly Walking)


The Habit
I move my body consistently through structured workouts and intentional walking every single week. Yoga Sculpt 3x per week for heat + cardio. Heavy lifting 2x per week for strength. And walking for leisure whenever time allows. 


Why I Do It
Movement keeps me regulated, sharp, and physically confident. Movement now helps ensure a functional life and strong bones as I age. It affects how I’ll be able to show up for my daughter and grandchildren one day. It supports my nervous system, improves my focus, and helps me feel strong in my body. When I move consistently, I show up more grounded and self-assured. That confidence carries into how I dress, speak, and operate.

This isn’t about chasing aesthetics. It’s about health, energy, posture, and presence.

 

How I Make It Sustainable

  • I focus on consistency, not intensity

  • I count walking as real movement and it only takes about 25 mins per day 

  • I adjust my workouts instead of skipping altogether

Some weeks are heavier, some are lighter. The goal is to keep moving.

 

2. I Drink a Minimum of 65 Ounces of Water Daily


The Habit
I drink at least 65 ounces of water every day.


Why I Do It
Hydration impacts so much. My skin, digestion, mental clarity, and overall well being. When my body is hydrated, I feel clearer, calmer, and more put together. I function better, and it shows in how I move through my day.

This is one of the simplest ways I support my body without overcomplicating wellness.


How I Make It Sustainable

  • I keep water visible and accessible

  • I drink it a room temperature 

  • I don’t wait until I’m thirsty

  • I track loosely without obsessing

It’s foundational care that delivers real results.

 

3. I Avoid Gluten and Dairy 

 

The Habit
I avoid gluten all together and dairy most of the time because my body doesn’t respond well to them.


Why I Do It
I’ve paid attention to how my body reacts, and reducing these foods helps keep inflammation down, improves digestion, and supports my overall health.

I was fed up with feeling sick, sluggish, and in constant pain because of these foods. Listening to my body allows me to function better and feel more at ease in my day-to-day life.


How I Make It Sustainable

  • I focus on what I can eat

  • I take a digestive enzyme before any dairy

  • I don’t aim for perfection

  • I plan ahead so stress doesn’t drive decisions

This is self-respect in practice.

 

4. I Maintain a Routine for My Nails, Hair, and Skin


The Habit
I have a consistent maintenance routine for my nails, hair, and skin.


Why I Do It
When these areas are taken care of, I feel better - period. Presenting well is important to me. When I look put together, I conserve mental energy and move through my day more confidently.

Looking good helps me feel grounded, and feeling grounded helps me operate better.


How I Make It Sustainable

  • I treat maintenance as part of my schedule, not a reward

  • I choose routines that fit my lifestyle

  • I’ve learned to DIY a lot of this at home to keep it affordable.

  • I don’t wait until things feel overwhelming

This is how I pour into myself consistently.

 

 

5. I Cut Back on Alcohol and Save It for Special Occasions


The Habit
I limit alcohol and reserve it for intentional moments and special events. I no longer drink at home (I use to have 1-2 glasses of wine while I made dinner every single night)


Why I Do It
Alcohol affects my sleep, energy, skin, focus, gut health, and (hate to say it) my brain. Drinking less supports clarity, better rest, and more consistent energy. When I feel clear and well-rested, I respond better, communicate more effectively, and stay present.

This shift supports how I want to feel long-term.


How I Make It Sustainable

  • I stay intentional rather than reactive

  • I find alternatives when needed (ie, sparkling water, tea, etc)

  • I replace the ritual, not just the drink

  • I don’t frame it as restriction—just preference

  • I have special occasions to look forward to where I will allow myself to drink as much as I want (honestly, once you cut back drastically and confidently you are less likely to drink as heavily as you did before)

It’s about choosing what serves me best.

 

6. I Set Boundaries and Stay in My Own Lane 

The Habit
I set clear boundaries and focus on what I can control. My actions, energy, and responses. Not anyone else's.


Why I Do It
Releasing the need to manage other people has been one of the most empowering (and challenging) changes in my life. Boundaries protect my peace, conserve my energy, and allow me to function at a higher level.

When I stay in my own lane, I show up more composed, confident, and aligned.


How I Make It Sustainable

  • I pause before committing

  • I allow discomfort without self-abandonment

  • I communicate boundaries, especially with the people I love and want in my life

  • I remind myself that boundaries are standards, not punishments

This is self-love with maturity.

 

Final Thoughts

Self-love doesn’t have to be loud or indulgent to be powerful. Sometimes it’s strategic. These habits support how I feel internally and how I present externally. The two are deeply connected.

When I look good, I feel more confident. When I feel confident, I respond better, communicate more clearly, and move through life with more ease. This is wellness for busy women. Functional, enjoyable, and sustainable

XO, 

Shay Arie Jones

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