The minute we say, “I don’t have time,” is the moment we realize we are in (what I like to call) the tunnel, only there’s no light at the end of this one. 

When we disregard our own self-nurturing by over-giving, we enter the tunnel of depletion. Over-giving, people-pleasing, and appeasing others to avoid conflict all contribute to our own downfall spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. This is an open invitation to stress, anxiety, and depression.

While it’s wonderful to be kind, giving, loving, and compassionate, the most loving thing you can do is to love, care, and (yes), nurture yourself. When was the last time you did something nurturing for yourself (without feeling guilty about it?).

Self-care is a Habit not a Treat

If you asked yourself to think about self-care for a moment, what images do you conjure up? A bubble bath, a trip to the spa? While those things are delightful, being intentional about self-care EVERY SINGLE DAY is a habit you won’t want to break.

Did seeing the words, “Every Single Day” trigger you into saying, “I don’t have time for that?” Well, I’ve got good news. It is possible and it is simple. It’s not some extravagant trip or a massive effort either. Let’s keep it simple.

Tip: When you are experiencing work stress, tell yourself you are okay. Think to yourself, I don’t choose to let this stress get the better of me. Tell your body, it’s okay, we will be just fine.

If you have good self-care practices in place, when something stressful in life pops up, you will be better equipped to handle it and maybe even float through it with more power and grace than you ever thought you could muster. 

Simple Self-Care Ideas

• This is one of my favorites: Any time you walk from one place to another (leaving your house, getting into your car, on your way to the bathroom, walking down the hall to drop off a file on a co-workers desk), practice the art of deep breathing. Deep breathing signals to your body that you are not in fight-or-flight mode at the moment. You are resetting your nervous system for a few moments. A deep belly breath, dropping the shoulders down, and a sigh of relief does wonders for your energy levels, productivity, and stress levels. (I told you it was simple).
• Notice how you hold your stomach. Pay attention to how you hold your stomach throughout the day. If you are like most people, the simple act of releasing the tension in your stomach can work wonders for the mind, body, spirit. Remember, the gut is our gateway to our instincts. If we are holding our stomach so tightly, we block our own pathway to well being.
• Look for the lovely things. Be intentional on your way out the door to look for lovely things – someone walking their dog, a beautiful flower in bloom, the sky (Hint: It’s always there and it always has a beautiful view whether dark and fascinating or bright and sunny).
• Think lovely thoughts – take a few minutes each morning, afternoon, and evening to focus on something lovely. A time when you first discovered the art of being in love, that memorable trip, that belly laugh with a loved one.
• Pay attention and be intentional – pay attention and be intentional about what you let into your mind. Morning meditations as you awake, uplifting podcasts, evening journaling, positive conversations. You get to choose who and how you want to be and reminding yourself morning, noon, and night creates a new pattern of habits. Of course, it takes time, but like anything else that requires practice, the payoff is worth it.
• Check in with those emotions – what are your emotions trying to tell you. Ask yourself if you are adding upsetting inferences to a situation or if there is a real problem which needs addressing – maybe it’s both.
• Come up with a plan through journaling to create a strategy to navigate that challenge.

Here are a few more simple self-care ideas to help you get started:

• Shoulder rolls – again anytime, anywhere – at your desk, driving, waiting on line for lunch.
• Daily stretches just because. Sitting at your desk, just before you go to lunch, every hour.
• Massage your hands
• Massage your neck or do some neck stretches (especially if you look at a computer screen all day)
• A soothing warm washcloth on the back of your neck at night before bed

• A 5- or 10-minute morning meditation to get the day started on the right foot.

• Instead of always removing things from your diet, add something new and healthy every day; a fruit or vegetable you don’t normally gravitate towards.

• Write in a journal.

• https://healwithjournaling.com/shop/

• Read an inspirational book.

• Join a fitness class; yoga, Pilates, Zumba, spin, etc.

• Get a massage.

• Get a manicure and/or pedicure, or do it yourself.

• Zone out in a bubble bath with candles and soft music.

• Listen to your favorite playlist, podcast or audiobook.

• Get out with friends to a painting class.

• Take a pottery class.

• Start and nurture a small garden; daily watering the plants, weeding, etc.

Self-care is limitless and it’s as individual as you. If rom-com is your thing and helps you stop overthinking and relaxes you, go for it. If you’d rather go hiking to get centered and feel like one with nature, be you. Whatever your heart desires. This is about feeding your soul so you can not only be the healthiest version of you, but the best version of you also.

With Power & Grace,