“Self-care is healthcare”is a mantra I find myself frequently repeating in my life. As a massage therapist, I feel that massage is one of the best ways to take care of yourself and I also recognize that it’s not the only tool you should have in your tool belt! Self-care isn’t about pampering yourself of giving into your indulgences, it’s a life skill that encourages you to take care of the needs of your spirit, mind and body so that you can live a more fulfilling life. You cannot serve from an empty cup! When you don’t take the time to meet the most basic needs of yourself it’s impossible to effectively complete the life tasks that are required of you. Self-care is simply recognizing that as a human you have needs and meeting those needs for yourself. There are many ways for you to take care of yourself for free or very low cost! Taking even a few minutes a day just for you can have a tremendous positive impact on your mental and physical well-being.
Some Simple Self-care tips that focus on your mental well-being include:
- Taking a relaxing bath with or without added herbs and salts
- Deep-Breathing Exercises
- Guided Meditation
- Journaling about your day
- Drinking a hot cup of tea
- Listening to your favorite song
- Spending time in nature
- limiting contact with draining people
Self-Care for your physical well-being can include:
- Doing simple stretches each day
- Exercising at least 10 minutes per day
- Taking short walks outside alone or with your dog
- Adequately hydrating throughout the day
- Eating healthy meals
- Getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night
Self-Care for your spiritual well-being:
- Connecting with your community
- Read material the inspires you
- Unplug from technology
- Burn Incense like Frankincense and Myrrh
- Cleanse your space with sage or Palo Santo
- Connect with your higher power
- Practice forgiveness (especially self-forgiveness)
Hopefully some of these tips can get you on your way to living a self-care kind of life! We cannot serve from an empty cup and you are your most valuable resource! What are some other ways you take care of yourself? What tips do you have for others? Share them below!
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