It's an indulgent and luxurious act, that is often overlooked and neglected. So let's put the focus back onto you.
So often than not, we are caught in a rat race and are running in constant circles with no proverbial end in sight. With no purposes and end goals, the last person we would think about, is ourselves. When was the last time, you managed to shut your mind, eyes and system and be at ease? We have 24 hours in a day, yet we are very stringent with the time we spend on ourselves.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Audre Lorde
This is such an important topic and it is necessary to understand why self care matter. It's a humble act that sheds light onto the most important person in your life, yourself. We are constantly busy and have very little time to spend on ourselves, catering to other people's life and purposes. Especially, those that have multiple roles and responsibility as a parent, spouse, children, student or worker. Our identity get's stripped away and we simple cease to exist. By prioritizing yourself, you are able to cherish and hold onto your being.
Self care enables you to:
Boost Self Esteem: By caring and putting yourself first, this allows you to nurture a positive relationship with yourself and treat yourself how you would treat a good and dear friend. Thus, boosting your self confidence and self worth. By regularly making time and effort to care and be good to yourself, this would send a positive message to the subconscious. It also acts as a nudge to remind you and others, that your needs are just as important as anyone else's.
Reconnecting with self: Introspective self care would enable you to ask question such as 'What do I love to do? What am I passionate about? How do I feel doing self care? What makes me happy and feel good?'. If it's difficult for you to answer these questions, then I stand by my words. By practicing self care, it would enable us understand and find out ourselves, and get in touch with the hidden or 'lost' side. This can realign your priorities and cement you back to yourself.
Give back more: Self care more often than not, is identified as a selfish act thus ultimately risking burn out when not practiced. But in reality, when you are able to give more to yourself, then there is more of you to give to others. It's akin to a reservoir, when you do little acts of self care for yourself this will build self-compassion and self love within you and which in return would pour out of you to the people surrounding you such as a spouse, parents, children, friends and etc. The truth is you cannot give what you don't have.
Wholesome life: It enables us to lead a more wholesome and authentic life. I understand that we have 101 things to do, but it's also important to remember you need tending to as well. You have a responsibility to yourself and only one life to live, so make the most of it. Stop putting off the pamper sesh, your favorite book or the great restaurant just down the block for a next time. Key it in your schedule and stick to it.
Productiveness increases: By focusing the spot light on you, you would be able to say 'no' and focus on things that matter to you more, and enjoy life in the slow lane. A consistent and nourishing self care routine will sharpen your focus, avoid burn out, fuels you and your purpose and gives you time to recuperate.
Introspective Self Care - Sensory
The care of allowing your senses (sight, smell, touch, hear, taste) to be bathed and immersed in the present moment. It would anchor us to the 'now' and allow us to reconnect with our surroundings.
1. Barefoot running or natural running
2. Wearing fuzzy woolen socks
3. Hugging a furry companion
4. Watching ember flames glow
5. Standing under the rain or floating on water
6. Watching the sunset and sunrise
7. Listen to your favorite podcasts or audio books
8. Lighting sage and scented candles
9. Drinking a warm and toasty drink
10. Sleep with a weighted blanket
11. Walk on pebble stones
Introspective Self Care - Emotional
The act of developing appropriate and useful coping skills to deal with negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, grief and pride. It would basically include activities that would enable you to acknowledge and demonstrate your emotions in a healthy manner.
12. Say 'I love you' to yourself after waking up
13. Writing a journal
14. Setting meditation time
15. Brain dumping
16. Practice breathing techniques
17. Saying No
18. Watch slapstick comedy and laugh heartily
19. Creating healthy boundaries
21. Express emotions
Introspective Self Care - Physical
It includes the act of taking care of your body and it in return would run on maximum productivity and minimum 'wear and tear'. This includes on how well you are attending to your physical needs and caring for it.
22. Getting quality sleep
23. Stretch after waking up
24. Drink detox water
25. Practice face care routine
26. Eat nourishing food
27. Routine medical check-up
28. Soak in the bath
29. Get an oil massage
30. Cycling around your neighborhood
31. Taking necessary supplements
Introspective Self Care - Spiritual
This encompasses nurturing and caring for the spirit. It would entail the act of helping you to flourish and understand your purpose and role, and forming a tethered connection to the universe and your being.
32. Allocate a scared space for yourself
33. Pay attention to the background (noises,sight and smell)
35. Learn stone balancing
36. Go on nature retreats
37. Start volunteering for a cause
38. Clarify your niche
39. Start a gratitude diary
40. Read fulfilling and illuminating articles, books and journals
41. Reflect and write positive self-affirmations.
42. Find your spiritual community
Introspective Self Care - Social
The act of belonging and forming a meaningful connection and building relationship with your surrounding ecosystem. Every person has different social needs and thus it's important to cultivate one that resonates with you.
43. Lend a helping hand to a stranger
44. Call a distant family member and catch up
45. Drop by your parents place
46. Host a party or a small intimate gathering
47. Walk your dog
48. Write a thank you note for the people in your life
49. Hug your significant other or a best friend
50. Say hello to your neighbors
51. Go out to brunch with friends
52. Create a new connection
53. Plant a tree
Not everyone is cut from the same cloth, thus develop a self care plan that is personalized and relevant to you. More of then than not, we put our self as an afterthought, thus discover aspects of your life that you are neglecting and work towards a plan to change it.
Honoring your own boundaries is the clearest message to others to honor them, too. - Gina Genelee
Do this by incorporating small self-care changes in your routine and urge yourself to stick to it. It's trial and error method, so always review it once you have completed it. Ask yourself if the self-care method feels relevant or is adding meaning to your life. If not, scrape it and go back to the drawing board. This is how you can identify and tailor, what works and does not work for you.
Do share which of the above self care tips resonated with you and how did you incorporate it around your schedule.
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