Main Points

• Self-Care is a commitment to your mind, body, and spirit
• Self-Care helps you to stay present
• Self-Care creates a foundation for resilience

What is Self-Care?

What does your self-care routine look like? Do you have a self-care routine? The definition of Self-Care changes depending on whom you ask. Self-Care is subjective and it should not be a burden; your self-care should be viewed as your commitment to care for your mind, body, and spirit actively and intentionally.  The problem is, many of us have no idea what healthy self-care looks like. Hopefully, these tips will help you get on track.

4 Self-Care Tips

• Journaling
• Stillness
• Connect with nature
• Self-soothing

Journaling

One of the most amazing self-care tools is journaling, I know it may seem like a pain in the ass for some, but it is a great way to dump accumulated racing thoughts. Besides, it will allow you to get a snapshot of those faulty unconscious thoughts. If freestyle journaling does not work for you, then you can purchase journals that have writing prompts. Here’s a wring prompt you can try, “How would your life be different if you radically accepted your imperfections?

Stillness

Self-care begins with self-care! Can you truly care for yourself, if you don’t spend time with yourself? Sit in silence with yourself, Be Still! No, not while browsing social media or watching TV, that doesn’t count. This may sound weird, but all parts of you are waiting to be seen, heard, and cared for by you. If you have a hard time being still, and sitting with yourself in silence, that is often an indication that you are probably functioning in survival mode and are dissociated from yourself.

I’m inviting you to try this activity. Find a space where you can sit, and set your phone timer for 2 minutes. Notice your breathing, your thoughts and feelings uninterrupted.  Notice how you felt before this practice, and afterward. This strengthens the rational part of your brain. Practice makes perfect!

Connect with nature

Are you part of the hustle culture? Many of us are constantly on the go, and the only time connecting with nature is on our way to and from the cars.  One of the best self-care gifts you can give to your body is sunlight and fresh air. The sun provides us with Vitamin D, there are many other benefits to our bodies.

Go outside, look around, tilt your head back and take a deep breath. Try to go to a park, or stand outside in your backyard if you have one. Slowly gaze toward the trees, and flowers around; notice how your chest rises and falls, and notice how the rest of your body is experiencing this moment. This is self-care at its best!

Self-soothing

Self-care and resilience go hand in hand. A baby’s cry most often triggers an immediate response from their caregiver to soothe and tend to their needs. Unfortunately, many of us were not taught that soothing becomes our responsibility as we age.

Our bodies still delight in being touched, comforted, and soothed. Let’s practice, place your palms on your legs, and slowly rub them in a circular motion for 30 seconds. This should trigger a yawn and a relaxation response. You can also rub from the base of your elbows to the top of your shoulders for the same effect. Enjoy!

Other Self-Care Activities

• Hiking
• Dancing
• Take a hot bath
• Do Body Scan Meditation
• Hang out with your favorite people
• Reflect on your progress for the day
• Reflect on 4 people you are thankful for
• Pray

You deserve to be nurtured and cared for, and who better to do it than you?  I am challenging you to choose one of the self-care activities above and make a commitment to practicing daily for the next 90 days. You get to care for yourself the way you want to! Your self-care doesn’t have to be a burden.