“Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort.” ~Deborah Day
We are continuously pulled into every direction by the responsibilities that we have towards our family, friends, homes, careers and other things. Only to lose track of ourselves in the process. And slowly, over a period of time, we give in on our energy levels, our health, our looks, our inner balance, our peace of mind and taking care of all those that depend on us becomes more and more difficult.
Sounds familiar?
Remember the safety instructions they give you on board of an airplane: in case of an emergency, place the oxygen mask over your own face before you help your child. Why? Because you need to be taken care of, breathing and calm before you can help the person sitting next to you.
The same rule applies to life in general. You are in a much better position to help others and look after your responsibilities if you are fit, energetic, breathing and calm. And to get to that point you will have to invest some time in yourself. For yourself but also for the world that depends on you. It is not selfish. It is self -nurturing. You need to recharge your batteries. You must look after yourself and feel good in your skin. You have to put yourself first. Period.
Imagine what you are doing today. And then imagine what you could do if you were able to jump out of bed every morning, fresh and alive. If you had an endless supply of energy and vitality, a perfectly fit and healthy body and balanced moods and clear focus. You would achieve much more, without the stress and with an even mind.
So change your mindset. Make a commitment to make time for YOU. Put yourself first and watch how it transforms your life and the lives of those around you.
8 Practical Ways to Practice Self Care:
- Manage your time
Take a good look at your schedule and start by incorporating some time for yourself to exercise, do yoga, get a massage, meet with friends, or to just be and do nothing in particular… And if you feel like your day is already too full: get up a little earlier or re-prioritize.
2. Fuel your body with the right food.
You are what you eat. Need I say more? There are plenty of articles on this website itself to help you along…!
3. Get busy in the kitchen
Cooking is self-care. And the more you do it, the more you will love it. It is an activity that is both sensual and magical. It allows you to control what you put into your body, be creative and connect with the food on your plate
4. Start a daily Sadhana practice
Sadhana is the Sanskrit word for spiritual practice: a daily practice that allows you to turn inward and reconnect with your higher, true nature. It could be a daily yoga practice, a dedicated time to sit and observe your breath, meditate, take a mindful walk in nature, read a spiritual text, etc.
It is a very powerful way to bring more inner balance, peace and acceptance into your life. Don’t just take my word for it. Commit to a daily sadhana practice for 40 days and watch the effect it has.
5. Surround yourself with positive people
Choose your friends well. They should uplift you, support you and inspire you. Find friends that are true to themselves and on a similar path of personal transformation.
6. Get out into nature
Besides the vitamin D boost that you will get from being out in natural sunlight, being outdoors in the beauty of nature is energizing and uplifting. The color green has a calming effect on us, it is healing and helps to relieve stress. If you live in a big city find a local park or head outdoors for the weekend.
7. Get inspired
Read inspirational, motivational books. Sign up for that course or workshop, take on a new hobby. Make some time to pursue your passion.
8. Connect with your inner child
It is still there: that part of you that is fun-loving, perceptive, spontaneous. Tap into it by being more present and enjoying the moment. By focusing on the journey rather then the destination.
Go ahead and put these tips into practice. Starting today. You deserve it!
With love,
Monique
