The things that you do for YOU
This might be controversial given my profession, but I don’t consider services performed on a person by others to be “self”-care. After all, someone else is doing it for you, for your body. What are the things that you do for yourself? Because that’s where you see those weekly/monthly/whatever appointments take hold in your body. It’s how we undo the effects of the day, and how we prepare for rough days ahead – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I once had a client ask how much of this wellness advice I am practicing. So I made a list:
- drink water(!!!)
- vitamins/supplements
- heat therapy
- cold therapy
- sometimes both
- self-massage
- acupressure mat
- resistance training
- walking/hiking
- stretching
- asana (yoga)
- pranayama (breathing)
- meditation
- prayer
- grounding
- mantras
- journaling
- meal planning
- at-home mani/pedi/facial
- hobbies & little things that bring me joy
I’ve been in health and wellness for most of my working life and a decade ago that list wasn’t half as long, and I still drink an energy drink or a soda more days than not. If I did every single one of those practices every day, I would hardly have time for anything else in my life. Some of them don’t need to be done every day, while some should be done more often but I fall short. But every day I make it a point to do something to contribute to my overall wellness.
Look for places in your day where you can work in a moment for yourself. Take a couple of deep breaths before you get out of the car, do a stretch or two as you get in and out of bed, do some self-massage when you’re sitting and watching TV. It doesn’t have to be a big event in your day, just make sure it is something every single day.
What would be on your self-care list? What are some areas that you could improve in?
