I’m a big advocate of taking good care of mind, body and spirit because you are truly the only one that can do that for yourself. I know you are hoping I’m going to suggest we all need a day at the spa every week (wouldn’t that be lovely!) but while having a special treat like a relaxing day at a spa is nice….I’m talking about much more basic kinds of self-care. In order to be the best version of you, a few simple habits can make your body feel good, mind sharp and spirit refreshed. Burning the candle at both ends doesn’t do you or those that live or work with you any good either. We are about to go into the holiday season and you might be over scheduling your time or putting too much pressure on yourself to be all and do all. Well, let’s take a chill moment and just talk about how you need to be at the top of your to do list. I’m here to tell you… Relax and take a breath. Take good care of yourself so that you can fully enjoy each day with vibrancy, joy, clear mind and grounded emotions. No one wants to spend the holidays with a frazzled basket case so carve in time for your self-care.
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Here are some easy and simple things you can do to for your self care:
Make your bedroom your sanctuary.
A clean, quiet place to begin and end your day is important. Our bodies and minds rejuvenate when we sleep so getting good rest is a top priority. Keep the temperature cool, the bedding cozy and lighting low. Protect the space of your bedroom and by that I mean make it your space. Don’t let clutter, homework, projects, etc. find its place to in your bedroom. I’m not a fan of having the TV on when it’s time for rest so limit screen time in bed. If you enjoy essential oils or scented candles, add that into your bedroom. Whatever gives you feelings of calm and comfort should find its place in your bedroom. It is your personal sanctuary to recharge.
Go outside and get some fresh air.
Self-care habits don’t have to be complicated. Actually the more simple your self-care habits are the better. Give yourself time each day outdoors to get fresh air, feel the warm or cool air on your face, and let your body and senses experience what the day has offered you in terms of your outdoor environment. If you can’t get outside, open the window of your home for a little while and air out the house. Bringing in fresh energy will feel good.
Move your body everyday.
We get one body to experience and move through this life with. It is made to move and serve you. Treat it well by doing something physical each day. A sedentary life isn’t providing the best self-care for you. Movement, excercise, physical exertion-I don’t really care what label you want to put on it. Call it whatever makes sense to you but most importantly, move your body each day. I will leave the specifics of how much and how long to the experts but I believe if the body moves at a good pace for 30 minutes a day the body will thank you. The endorphins caused by movement are huge and can combat stress and just help in ones overall mental well being. Have fun with moving your body. Start where you are at but most importantly is just to begin getting the body used to daily movement and excercise.
Engage in an activity that brings you joy.
Being in a state of joy only brings more joy, positivity and abundance to your life. Find a way to work into your week an activity that truly brings you joy. It doesn’t matter what it is as long as it makes you feel good. Each of us find joy in different things so your choice will be unique to you. The more time you spend in a state of joy, your energy will draw even more joyful and positive things into your life. Doing an activity you love can also shift you out of funk or low mood. Carving time out for you to have fun and do something you enjoy is an important part of self-care and recharging your batteries. Don’t underestimate the power of joy.
Meditation and quiet time.
Mindfulness and quiet time are forms of self-care. Meditation is a great way to begin the day and to close out the day before bed. Give yourself time to recharge and meditation is a good time for you to check in with yourself and possibly discover how you can better show up to care for your mind body and spirit. Meditation has been proven to reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional health and increase self awareness. An app I have loaded on my phone is Breethe and it’s offers me a variety of meditations at my fingertips for any time of the day.
Nurture your body with a massage.
I’m a massage junkie of sorts. I love them and massage has been a crucial part of managing my nervous system issues, migraines and returning to health. Not only do massages feel amazing but the health benefits are plenty. Just google health benefits of massage and you will have plenty to read! When I speak to others on stress management, health issues or overall well being, massage is one of the first things I suggest to incorporate into their lifestyle. Other ideas to nurture your body are make a mini spa day at home with a at home facial mask, soak in the hot bathtub, and apply some of your favorite lotions to you skin afterwards. Enjoy a cup of hot herbal tea to finish it off and enjoy your hour of bliss at home.
Protect what comes into your mind.
Start the day with gratitude and jot a few things down each morning that you are grateful for. If your an avid news/tv person in the morning, consider not turning on the news to begin your day. I have practiced not watching the news daily for quite some time now and I have to say it sure is nice! From my perspective, I don’t need to know all the itsy bitsy details that happened the day before, or what tragedies took place overnight. I’m not suggesting to become oblivious to the world around us or what is going on but instead, not make the news the way to start the day after we have woken from a night of rest. I will catch the news in various mediums a couple times each week and I am much happier about doing it that way. Instead, start the day reading, journaling, or listening to an uplifting podcast. Start the day on a cheerful note!
Stay mindful my friends of taking good care of yourself so you can serve others in your life as well as reach your full potential as a human being.
Keep shining brightly!
