Find More Peace in a Busy World with Inspired Self-Care

"Self-care is not selfish. It is a necessary act of self-love and self-respect." I couldn't agree more with this quote. Self-care isn't about being indulgent; it's about taking care of ourselves so we can live our best lives and be our best for our loved ones.

As someone who feels the need to go go go—especially when under a deadline or with a big task looming ahead, I've learned the importance of prioritizing self-care. For me, it's not just about relaxation; it's about nurturing my mind and body, and soothing my nervous system. In this post, I'll share my favorite self-care practices and why I believe they're essential for living a balanced life.

Physical Self-Care Ideas

I've found that taking care of my physical health is crucial for my overall well-being. When our bodies hurt for a long time, the mind eventually follows to a dark place. I used to call it getting stuck in the bottom of the well. Here are some practices that have worked to keeping me feeling good physically and mentally out of the well:

- Hot Baths: There's nothing like sinking into a warm bath after a long day. I add Epsom salts and essential oils to create a calming atmosphere. It's my way of unwinding and rejuvenating. Bonus, it helps me sleep better too!

- Massages: I've had my fair share of massages, and I can attest to their therapeutic benefits. Whether it's a professional massage or a partner-given massage, it's a great way to release tension and relax.

- Exercise: I believe that exercise is essential for both physical and mental health. I enjoy activities like yoga, walking, and tai chi, which help me stay active and energized. No matter what shape your in try to incorporate some movement into you day. Maybe its just moving your hands or your feet or doing some gentle stretches in bed. It all counts!

- Sleep: You don’t want to meet me after a couple days with no sleep. I look and feel like the Walking Dead. So I prioritize getting enough sleep each night, as it helps my body and mind recharge. A good night's sleep can make all the difference in my mood, mental clarity, and productivity.

Emotional Self-Care Ideas

Taking care of my emotional health is just as important as physical health. Do you have some tools that help you deal with stress and anxiety? Here are some practices that help me cope with them:

- Journaling: I wish I was better at keeping a habit of this one because writing down my thoughts and feelings helps me process and release emotions. It's a great way to reflect on my experiences and gain insights into my thoughts and behaviors. 

Journal entries can be as unique as you and your experiences: your journal can be full of drawings, photo clippings, paragraphs, poems, and music lyrics. Anything that helps you express yourself!

I have this Self-care Journal from Clever Fox on my wish list. It comes with stickers and wellness prompts. The designer and crafter in me says, Oh yes! For me I know if it looks appealing, I am more likely to use it.

- Meditation: I've found meditation to be incredibly beneficial for calming my mind and reducing stress. I practice mindfulness meditation and guided meditation to help me stay focused and present. There is a free meditation weekday mornings on the Gupta Program app that I have used on many occasions.

- Social Connections: Since making strides in my recovery I especially enjoy this one. When I was house or bed bound it made it almost impossible to practice this. Nurturing relationships with loved ones and building new connections through social activities is vital for my emotional well-being. I make time for friends and family, and engage in activities that bring me joy and connection.

-Tapping: Also known as EFT, relieves stress and anxiety by:

1. Releasing emotional blockages

2. Balancing the body's energy system

3. Reducing stress hormones like cortisol

It involves tapping specific points on the body while repeating calming phrases, helping to promote relaxation and reduce stress. This can be incredibly helpful when you find yourself stuck in a loop of thoughts that are hurting you.

-Havening Touch: I've also found Havening Touch to be a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety. It is particularly good for those recovering from trauma and chronic illness. This gentle, soothing touch therapy involves stroking or touching specific areas of the body to activate the brain's threat response system and promote feelings of safety and relaxation. By applying gentle pressure and stroking motions, Havening Touch helps to calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being. I've found it to be incredibly effective in helping me feel more grounded and calm, and I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t yet.

You can learn a bit more about how it works in this video from Dr. Kate Truitt.

Nervous System Self-Care Ideas

Connecting with my holistic side helps me find meaning and purpose in life. Here are some practices that nourish my nervous system :

- Nature: Spending time outdoors, whether it's walking in a park or in the woods, helps me feel connected to the natural world. I find peace and tranquility in nature, from the sounds of wind in the leaves, water running in a stream, and birds singing to eachother.

- Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, helps me stay present and focused. It's a great way to calm my mind and reduce stress.

- Gratitude: Reflecting on the things I'm grateful for each day helps me cultivate a positive mindset. I believe that gratitude is essential for living a happy and fulfilling life. I suggest setting a reminder on your phone and at the same time each day for 3-5 minutes just sit and write down or go through in your mind the things you are thankful for.

Tips for Incorporating Self-Care into Your Routine

- Make Time for Self-Care: If you feel too busy, you may need to schedule self-care into your daily or weekly routine, just like any other important appointment. I believe that self-care is essential for maintaining my physical, emotional, and nervous system health.

- Listen to Your Body: If I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I am working on learning to take a step back and prioritize self-care. I think to myself, is it really worth it to push through right now? to hurt myself? A coach told me, “It is your job to be your own best friend; be good to yourself and take a break when you need it.”

Sometimes I think I am a harder boss on myself than any other human would be. Why is that? Is it my own lack of self respect. What is this drive to work non-stop on a project until it’s perfect and complete about? I would not let someone else slave drive me to the point of exhaustion or pain. We have to stop that if we want to thrive in our health! So whether it's taking a break to put on some muscle relaxing peppermint oil, dancing around to a song, smelling the flowers, belting out my favorite Broadway or Disney tune, going outside and walking in nature, or engaging in some other relaxing activity, I am working on listening to my body's needs. I know when I have gone too long without listening. My body starts to talk to me. I bet yours does too!

- Experiment and Find What Works for You: Everyone is unique, and what works for me may not work for you. I encourage you to experiment with different self-care practices and find what resonates with you.

By prioritizing self-care and incorporating these practices into our routines, I believe we are better equipped to handle life's challenges and live a more balanced, fulfilling life. So let’s take care of ourselves and be the best versions we can possibly be!

May Challenge:

I challenge you to pick one new-self care activity during the month of May to practice. Then schedule and day and time to do it. It can be something super simple like breaking for tea, rocking out to some tunes, going out with a friend, taking that hot epsom salt bath with a candle lit, or something grander like a massage or a day trip to your favorite peaceful nature spot. Let me know how it goes.

Tag me on social with #MaySelfCareChallenge with what you chose! A picture shared with me would be even better. Let’s inspire one another with our choices! I can’t wait to see what you choose to make yourself a better, healthier, more balanced you! #wecandoit

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