Self-care comes in many different shapes and forms, but the purpose is always the same: to deepen the nourishment, support, and care you give yourself.

How to start?

Start small. Savor a cup of tea, read a good book, listen to your breath for 5 minutes each day, walking barefoot in soft grass, or soak in a hot bath. Choose something that gives you pleasure. Something that will nourish your mind, body and soul.

Here are a few tips for Self Care:

Exercise

Our bodies are made for movement. Find time to move daily and to exercise whenever possible. Whether that’s a walk around the neighborhood, a bike ride, a yoga or spin class, or simply setting a timer on your phone to remind you to get up from your chair every hour.

Spend Time Outdoors

Step away from your computer, leave your phone behind, and take a walk outside. Focus on the sounds you hear and colors you see. Whatever the weather, take a moment to breathe and live in the moment.

Make Sleep a Priority

Sleep is significant to our bodies’ ability to heal. While sleeping, we repair damaged tissues and organs, we metabolize hormones our body no longer needs, and our brain uses this time to organize our thoughts and experiences.

Meditate

Meditation is a great way to tune out all life’s distractions and demands. Give this time to yourself. The goal is to calm and relax the mind. If you find your mind wandering, play a guided meditation.

Make Time to Be Alone

Time alone allows you to process your thoughts and experiences, and also gives you an opportunity to reflect.

Do Something You Love

If this is something that is hard to fit into your schedule, try weekly, or as often as you can. Some ideas include, taking a warm bath, writing in your journal, or buying yourself some flowers. Whatever activity you choose to do, don’t feel guilty about taking the time to do it. Remember it’s feeding your soul and increasing your joy.

Nourish From the Inside Out

Often when we have a busy schedule, we neglect our own dietary needs. Instead of fully nourishing ourselves, we rely on packaged, microwavable or takeout foods, which lack nutrients and often have an abundance of substances that are detrimental to our health. Make healthy food a priority.

Affirmations

Affirmations are a great way to reprogram and focus the mind to eliminate negative patterns of behavior. On a daily basis, commit to yourself and repeat your affirmation out loud, in front of a mirror, once or twice a day.

Find Gratitude

Gratitude is a fullness of heart that moves you from limitation and fear to expansion and love. Since ancient times, philosophers and sages from every spiritual tradition have taught that cultivating gratitude is key to experiencing deeper levels of happiness, fulfillment, and well-being.

As you continue your self-care journey, remember to pause and ask yourself how you are doing. Given the nature of our busy lives, it’s easy to forget. Listen to your body and tune in. You deserve to take care of yourself.

Article Inspiration:

• https://www.thirteenthoughts.com/15-ways-to-practice-self-care-for-body-mind-soul/

• https://medium.com/the-business-of-being-happy-and-healthy/self-care-for-the-body-mind-soul-3858fab913dd

• https://www.powerofpositivity.com/self-care-practice-mind-body-soul/

• https://mollyhostudio.com/blog/45-self-care-ideas-for-the-mind-body-and-soul

• https://www.huffpost.com/entry/20-selfcare-practices-for_b_10314820

• https://www.lifehack.org/834747/self-care

• https://tinybuddha.com/blog/45-simple-self-care-practices-for-a-healthy-mind-body-and-soul/

• https://life-money.teachable.com/

• https://www.wfan.in/