What is Self Care?

Before we dive into what self care is, let's see if this has meaning for you.

Do you need self care? Here’s a checklist to see what’s true for you:

• I naturally step into the caregiver role when someone is in need.
• I have a big heart.
• It’s hard to put myself first.
• I have a hard time asking others for help.
• I would rather do things myself. It’s just easier.
• I say “yes” to things that I don’t really want to do but…
• I don’t like disappointing people.
• It’s been a while since I’ve had a massage or gone on a nature walk.
• I feel like there isn’t enough time in the day to meditate.

Did you check all of them? You are not alone.

We all need good self care and we seem to be getting less and less of it.

What do I mean by “Self Care?”

Self care means simple, intentional practices that take care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They often include:

1. Mindfulness
2. Daily meditation practice
3. Daily intention setting
4. Nourishment for your body (hydration, good sleep, vibrant food, exercise)
5. Spiritual and healing practices
6. Being in nature
7. Taking a nap
8. Connecting with your support system (AKA your tribe)
9. Anything that fills you back up again (dancing, drawing, etc.)
10. Being patient and kind to yourself

Also self care:

1. Watching a movie that gives you big, belly laughs
2. Decluttering your home to free your energy
3. Reconnect with beauty (art, clouds, flowers, etc.)
4. Get fifteen minutes of sunlight (don't forget the sunscreen)
5. Putting on your favorite dance groove and shaking it!

Let’s Play: Brainstorm. Take 1 minute and write down all the things that nourish you, even if you haven’t done them in a while. In remembering what supports us, we can also reconnect with what it felt like to be cared for. 

with kindness, Heather