Have we had a real + honest conversation about self-care yet?
I’m not talking about bubble baths and manicures (although those can be important too). I’m talking about deep, profound, & nurturing self-care practices that work for YOU in your life RIGHT NOW.
In my own life lately, I have been struggling to take care of myself in a way my body, mind, and soul deserves. So much so, that I wrote this question at the top of my journal and pondered it for days.
“If I were to take care of myself the way I deserved, what would that look like?
How would you treat your body? How would you treat your mind? What would that look like in day-to-day life?
Many times, clients come to me and have no real idea on how to take care of themselves beside the standard “eat healthily” and “workout”. Sure, they see the benefit of getting occasional massages or treating themselves to pedicures but they don’t see how deep self-care could be a part of their life.
Without a solid base, such as caring for ourselves, we are not able to become who we truly want to be.
- We stay stuck.
- We are unable to truly accept ourselves.
- We continue to feel anxiety about food, our bodies, + our lives.
Self-care is vital.
To help you get started, here are 5 out of the ordinary self-practices to try right now:
1. Add quiet reflective time to your day
How often do we sit in silence with ourselves, letting go of stress + and anxiety of the day, and just BE?
As an introvert, I do this a lot + I LOVE it. It calms + re-energizes me and allows me to move forward with a clear and level head. It is a way to nurture my body, mind + soul.
But what it you’re not an introvert? Is this something you can still benefit from? Absolutely.
Sitting in a quiet, reflective space is healing. If you can give yourself the patience to get past the initial awkwardness of sitting alone with yourself in silence, it can a very transformational experience.
Allow it.
2. Self-massage
When you think about accepting your body, there are many strategies to add that can do wonders.
My favorite practice? Self-massage.
Imagine using your favorite lotion or oil (coconut oil, anyone?!) and going softly over each part of your body while simultaneously sending it love and appreciation for all that it does. It is truly amazing.
Sound a bit weird? I thought so too until I tried it.
So often we ignore our bodies and don’t recognize how much they do for us each and every day. It truly is amazing. By giving yourself space and time to celebrate + actually be with your body, you are allowing yourself the love and appreciation you deserve.
And that’s truly amazing.
3. Let go of what isn’t serving you
It’s always a good time for cleaning and starting fresh, am I right?! So how about getting rid of everything that isn’t serving you anymore?
Whether it be a job, a situation, a living arrangement, clutter, or even just a bad habit, letting go and moving on can be a huge part of self-care.
4. Add in pleasure
Pleasure. Something most people don’t want to talk about. But we are going to do it anyways
Let me give you an example.
The other day I was sitting down to lunch by myself at the kitchen table. I was excited to be having eggplant parmesan (one of my favorites lately) and it was raining outside (also one of my favorite things!). To really get the most out of my eating experience, I decided to set the table very nice, put some music on and really savor my meal.
I could have eaten my meal as I normally do, without acknowledging the here and now. Not really celebrating or creating a beautiful space for myself. But instead, I chose to do the opposite.
And it was wonderful. I got so much pleasure from being able to slow down and enjoy the meal in a beautiful environment, + that made all the difference.
Start to get curious about what would bring pleasure into your life, whether that be frequent massages, intimate conversations, or even evening dances in the kitchen while dinner is cooking. It could be anything that feels good to YOU. Start exploring!
5. Express, express, express
One of my favorite parts of self-care is the mindful, care-taking of emotions. Choosing to allow your feelings and letting them flow through you.
The best way to do this? Express, express, express.
Feel like standing out in the rain? Go do it!
Want to scream at the top of your lungs because your sister just upset you? That could be just what you need.
Want to dance when your favorite song comes on, even though no one else around you is? Go do it.
There is nothing wrong with expressing yourself and your emotions. The people who do are the most honest, real, and completely alive but they don’t get there by hiding or choosing to shut down emotions. Express them instead.
If expressing your emotions feels too scary right now, try something as simple as journaling. Keep a log of your feelings during the day and allow them space to JUST BE.
Like what you read? I’ve created a gorgeous self-care planner to support you in putting together a nurturing self-care practice every day. Plus, you’ll receive access to my entire resource library for free (with even more resources for up-leveling your self-care!).