Self-Care Ain’t Just for Sundays: Five ways to care for the mind, body, and spirit
Anyone who knows me, knows I love to dedicate time to self-care. I’m talking massages, manis, pedis, treating myself to my favorite restaurant, the list goes on! However, while all those things are great treats to keep on the calendar, self-care doesn’t always have to come in the form of something physical or materialistic. Actually, some of my favorite self-care routines aren’t tangible things at all!
If you’re looking for some new self-care ideas here are five of my favorite ways to unplug and care for the mind, body, and spirit.
Get Active!
As a former collegiate athlete, there’s probably nothing I love more than being active and getting my competitive juices flowing. Whether that be going for a long run, working out with my fiancé who is determined to be my trainer or boxing at the gym. I love it all! As we all know (or should know by now) exercise has huge mental health benefits. You can keep that waist snatched and add extra years to your life while reducing stress and anxiety. Studies also show that exercising regularly can help reduce feelings of depression, boost self-esteem, and regulate your sleep pattern!
Aromatherapy
Over the last two years or so, this has become such an essential part of my night time relaxing routine! Especially parts of the year when I’m on the road a lot. I even take my oils with me when I travel! Lavender oil is definitely one of my favorites to drop in the diffuser to help set the tone once I’m home. If you don’t have a diffuser, roll-on oils are also great. You can massage the oil on your temples to help reduce stress or if you hold a lot of tension in your neck, the nape of your neck is a great place to use the oils as well. Essential oils not only help me relax physically but emotionally. I can leave behind the work from the day and be present at home. If you’re a newbie to aromatherapy you can try Aura Cacia’s discovery kit with different types of oils to see which is the best fit for you!
DND (Do Not Disturb)
People who know me, know I’m just about unreachable after 9:30 pm unless it’s urgent or a special case. I don’t want to text and I definitely do not want to talk. For me, it’s all about creating boundaries. If I’m available all day every day when do I have time to let myself decompress? When do I have time to share with my family? I used to be worried that I would miss something like an important text or email, however, I realized mostly anything that comes after 9:30 pm can wait until sunrise. Create boundaries and put your mental health first.
Spending the first hours of your day not on social media
As a reporter coming up in the age of social media I was always taught that Twitter should be the first thing I check in the morning. However, as I got older and wiser, I’ve realized for me, issa no. Now, I know that sounds crazy because I should want to know what’s happening in the world as soon as I get up, but instead, I’ve realized that checking social apps first thing in the morning is just a distraction, and it could set the tone for my day. Do I really want what’s on my Twitter or Instagram feed setting the tone for the rest of my day? Absolutely not. Instead, I start my day by reading excerpts and devotionals from my Bible App, stretching, praying, doing breathing exercises. Anything I need to help me approach the day with the right heart, headspace, and attitude. Try doing something else besides checking social apps as soon as you wake up, and you’ll see the difference in how you approach each day!
Sit in silence
Sitting in silence sounds like an odd thing to do, but it’s probably one of my favorite things to do in order to recenter my focus and thoughts. So often we are busy going from one thing to the next that we never really create time to be with our own thoughts. For me, it’s turned out to be a powerful way to disconnect from the world and recharge spiritually. It doesn’t have to be hours of silence, but take five, 10, or even 15 minutes to reflect and reconnect!
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care? Share below!
