“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” ~ J. Pierpont Morgan
Hello, Lovelies!
Almost everyone who talks to me about self-care seems to think that self-care is about taking long indulgent baths with candles burning and soft music playing in the background. Or it’s getting a massage, or having a facial. There’s nothing wrong with any of those, and sometimes they might be just what you need, but today I’d like to offer some self-care alternatives to scented beauty products and body work.
The following acts of self-care are tried and tested, and may well prove to give more lasting effects that a mani-pedi.
- Close your computer, put down the phone, stand up, and go for a walk outside. Breathe deeply. Be aware of your surroundings. Do this daily for best results.
- Meal plan for a healthy week; shop the plan, cook to the plan, eat to the plan.
- Start a savings account, or create and follow a simple plan to pay down debt. Money problems too overwhelming for that? Seek advice. Get a plan. Follow it.
- Have an early night once a week. Turn off the wifi. Sleep.
- Hydrate. Drink enough water each day.
- Journal, and use oracle or tarot cards as tools for self-reflection. Work out how you feel about yourself and your life. Understanding that positions you to make better choices.
- Spend some time in nature each week, alone or with favourite people or animal companions.
- Unkink your body. Try yoga, pilates or good old-fashioned stretches. Consider getting a stand-up desk or a balance ball instead of a chair.
- Meditate, even if it’s only five minutes. Meditation calms and centers us, and helps us find our way back to ourselves, our soul and to Spirit. Try any of these simple techniques: Easy Five Minute Meditation, Three Minute Essential Oil Meditation, Taking Energy From Trees, Eating The Sun Meditation.
- Make time each week for a hobby or interest that you care about. Time spent doing what you love is never wasted, and can be an oasis of safety and replenishment in an otherwise difficult life.
Your life matters, and taking care of yourself helps you to live sustainably and with joy.
Choose kindness today, for yourself and towards those around you.
Much love, Nicole ❤ xoxo
Thank you for these wonderful words to teach and/or remind us to do the simple things that help us take care of ourselves. I really needed this right now. It made me breathe deep…….
Patty
Great thoughts! I must admit, Beyond baths and beautyfying got my attention and total support. I am a bit fed with the cliches circulating the web. Thank you for a refreshing view!
Thank you for your kind words. There’s nothing wrong with beautifying, but when we do it to cover up or numb the feelings we have BECAUSE we haven’t practiced the kind of self-care I wrote about here, it becomes self defeating.
Agree. Totally nothing wrong, but to me it feels like a cliche, used too often. Like the essence of self-care boils down to scrubs – when there is so much more! that is why I like that you in a way break a pattern and remind what this is all about.
What a great post. A practical list of ideas and reminders. Thankyou 💖
Such great tips here some of these I do, some I try to do, some I don’t
I figure gumboot dancing would also be good! I am reminded of a friend from uni, who used to say that when things feel truly terrible, put a tea-cosy on your head and look in the mirror. If you don’t laugh within a minute, get yourself to therapy, stat!
Gorgeous and practical post, not to mention timely. It is something I often overlook until I am well beyond needing to ‘care’ for myself. When I am in a tizz is when I tend to remember, me. I have really been enjoying your blog and take something new away almost on a daily basis, thank you for sharing.
Amen! Practical, insightful and totally usable list. I love my indulgent baths – candle, music and all but this list really brings it home. Many of these for me have lead to self-care with long reaching results and a more integrated impact on my overall well being and day-to-day. Think I need to incorporate your #2 + #3 … These areas I definitely tend to overlook <3
Love this list also. Self compassion (kindness) is an act of Self care
I adore this post, it’s so true there are many little ways to self care..woth not a candle in sight! Thankyou xx
Thank you Nicole practical and profound advice x 💕🏡🌺