SELF-CARE
I tend to myself because I am worthy and deserving.
Definition: Intentional upkeep for mind, body, and spirit.
Other: Filling up, nurturing oneself, tending
Opposite: Depleted, spent, deflated
Self-Care is a sacred act of appreciating the gift of you. Honoring the gift of your life. Valuing yourself, confidently knowing that caring for yourself, makes life better for you and those you interact with.
Self-Care is not just an occasional facial, bubble bath, cup of hot cocoa, or time away from our routine although all of those things certainly can be self-care measures.
Self-Care can be removing or limiting exposure to things in our life that are not nourishing to us such as excess noise, media, toxins, places, people…which are draining to us.
Think of your body as a precious holder or vessel which contains all that we put inside it.
What or who are we listening to? What media are we ingesting? What are we consuming? What type of people are we spending time with? What are we eating and drinking and filling our surroundings with?
What we put inside of ourselves, will fuel us and that’s what we have to “share” with others. If we feed it garbage, scary images, neglect, or negativity that’s what we’ll cultivate and dispense. If we feed it nutritious food, uplifting content, care, and positivity, that’s what we’ll cultivate and dispense.
Today is a prime example of taking the necessary steps for self-care. I felt like I was doing and experiencing too much and wanted to take today and perhaps tomorrow as rest days to nurture and fill up my cup. I am planning to be off social media for a few days.
I also see a nap in my future, I’m listening to soothing sounds and I am writing which always replenishes me. I’ve also been for a walk with my dog and spent time out in the yard enjoying the warm sunshine and beauty at my fingertips.
What do you need more of?
What do you need less of?
How do you tend to yourself?
Here are some ideas:
· Soothe yourself
· Nap
· Get still
· Connect with an uplifting friend, relative or pet
· Listen to peaceful music or sounds
· Move your precious body
· Meditate
· Journal
· Unplug from media or electronics
· Be out in nature
· Diffuse essential oils
· Bathe
· Drink a green smoothie
· Hydrate
· Enjoy a favorite meal, snack or beverage
Here are some Self-Care Quotes you may enjoy.
“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” — Audre Lorde
“An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.” – Unknown
How can you live life better by allowing yourself the gift of Self-Care today?