“When we care for ourselves as our very own beloved—with naps, healthy food, clean sheets, a lovely cup of tea—we can begin to give in wildly generous ways to the world, from abundance. —Anne Lamott, author
Since 2020 there have been so many uncommon adversities that we’ve all had to deal with that self-care which was once dismissed as a luxury should now be considered a vital daily practice. It takes effort to feel tranquil, balanced and collected which happens when we create practices to care for ourselves. Self-care is a very personal and intentional practice of improving our physical and mental health.
I believe in leading by example, so I’ll share my recent journey of introducing self-care into my daily practices, hopefully it will inspire you. Since I’ve healed from my self-created back injury, I’ve taken time to reflect on how I was thinking and why I was filling my days with a rigid agenda and unreachable ideals. To change that I knew I had to take some serious steps. So, starting that week I began spending more time doing things I used to consider luxuries. Since then I’ve added an assortment of simple and doable self-care practices and so far I’m more aware, tranquil and really enjoy each day. I can now say without a doubt that I am happier than I’ve been in a very long time. Even though the chaos continues in the outside world, there are ways to soothe and pamper ourselves that I believe can only make us a better person for ourselves and those around us.
If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete. Jack Kornfield
If you’re ready to begin your journey, start by carving time into each day to indulge your five senses with purposeful self-care. There is no wrong way in doing self-care, the list I created below are my ideas, you can create from this or create your own ways of pampering yourself. Caring for yourself doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, this is just about finding simple ways to give attention to yourself. Practicing self-care is about doing something for yourself that evokes positive emotions. I sincerely believe that if we feel good and are at peace, we can bring that into everything we do. And if for no other reason, Adam Feldman says, “Self-care also helps us sharpen our mental and physical health through better self-esteem, stress management, and overall well-being.”
Luxury at Home – Nurture Yourself
- Get plenty of sleep, when you can, turn off your alarm
- Spend time with your pet(s)
- Have a good cry
- Take time when eating to enjoy the taste of the food, savor the joy of nourishing your body
- Scented or unscented candles and flowers can make any room feel special
- Set some time aside to read a funny story, watch videos or shows that make you laugh out loud
- Enjoy a midday break, treat yourself to enjoyable refreshments
- Make your shower or bath luxurious by using a special soap, scented lotion, include items to slough your skin, play music, use soft lighting, have live plants and super soft towels
- Give yourself spa treatments, a manicure or pedicure, a facial treatment, a foot massage, a footbath, or a soothing body massage,
- Spend some quiet time reading, meditating or writing
- Take a leisurely walk
- Read a book
- Educate yourself on something you’re interested in
- Declutter, add live plants, some pictures or colorful items to lift yourself
- Take some time to appreciate yourself, compliment yourself, it’s a healthy and simple thing to do that will lift your spirits
- Set time aside to do nothing
- Make an indulgent meal, something that you might usually have for a special occasion
- Plate your meal for presentation as you’d receive it in a fine dining restaurant
- Use linen spray in a scent you love
- Enjoy time in nature
- Rub CBD oil where you may have aches
- Put on comfortable Loungewear
- Take a nap
True luxury is being able to own your time – to be able to take a walk, sit on your porch, read the paper, not take the call, not be compelled by obligation. Ashton Kutcher
The following lists are from Alastin Skin Care
The Psychological Benefits of Self-Care
- Reduces feelings of anxiety and anger
- Reduces instances and feelings of depression
- Improves your thought life and direct it to more positive things
- Increases your sense of optimism and hopefulness
- Reduces negative thoughts and feelings
- Changes your mood from bad to good
- Helps you build stronger connections with yourself and others
- Increases your self-awareness and ability to self-reflect
- Helps you respond better to challenges
- Increases your patience and tamp down on a short fuse
- Increases your focus and productivity (so you can do all the things!
The Wellness Benefits of Self-Care
- You’ll sleep better
- You’ll strengthen your immune system
- Your relationships will improve
- Better finances
- You’ll be able to think clearly and refocus
- You’ll freely and copiously give more of yourself
“Practicing self-care can help you sleep better, improve focus, and strengthen relationships. That positive daily routine can support a happier, healthier outlook so you can enjoy the good times, too.” findyourwords.com
Thank you for reading my post, I sincerely appreciate your taking the time.
Wisdom of a Woman's Heart 