We hear about self-care but what is it really? Here is what it means to me. I hope you take some of these ideas and try them for yourself.
Find your happy place! Do what brings you peace and joy. Breathe! Be open to new adventures! Not all who wander are lost.
Take a break from watching the news. Watch something that makes you laugh or is heartwarming. Avoid shows that are violent or depressing. The eye is the window to the soul. Listen to spa/meditation music in your car and at home. Try putting it on in the background while you work or do things around the house.
Redecorate your space with things that make you feel good and are comfortable. Paint the walls soothing colors. Buy some plants or plant a garden.
Lie and sit on the floor with your fur babies. Pet and play with them.
Clean your space or hire someone to do it for you. Clean out that closet and donate stuff to charity. Less is more. Get rid of things with negative attachments to people.
Take a walk in the park. Slow down and notice the wildflowers, dragonflies, butterflies and animals. Gaze up at the stars and moon. Stop and look at the rainbow. Ground your feet to the Earth. Hug a tree - really, try it! Take in the awe and wonder of this marvelous existence. Pick some wild flowers, take them home and make potpourri.
Light candles and incense. Cleanse your space with sage or a sacred chime. "Only love and light may enter here. Only love and light may stay!" Do this over every, door, window, mirror and your bed.
Pray. Meditate. Daily is best. Turn it over to God and the Universe. Trust that whatever is meant to be will be. Operate out of love, not fear. Let go of anxiety and stress. Expect miracles.
Get a massage and mani-pedi. Buy a new outfit or that new makeup you were eyeing. Be still and quiet. Let your soul feel your feelings. Let the thoughts go that don't serve you anymore. Cry. Laugh. Let God soothe you. Hug yourself.
Take a bubble bath with Epsom salt. Add essential oils. Add rose petals.
Smile. Sing. Dance. Paint. Play! Be creative.
Make a gratitude list. Take personal inventory. Be truthful yet gentle to yourself. It's just as important to be kind to yourself as it is to others. Watch your self-talk. Think Optimistic. Speak positively about yourself. Take responsibility and apologize when needed. Look at your experiences as opportunities for growth and don't beat yourself up over mistakes. Try to find something positive in everything. Realize spirituality is important, however does not replace therapy. Get professional help if needed and embrace therapy.
Set personal boundaries. Find your voice. Learn to say no and not feel guilty about it. Over extending yourself and people pleasing will drain you. It's okay to be altruistic however take regular time to yourself. Distance or remove toxic, negative people that bring drama into your life. You're entitled to you own opinions.
You have the right to leave places that have a bad energy or vibe. Pay attention to the vibes of people and places. Notice your intuition. It doesn't lie. It's your inner GPS, there to guide you. Take back your serenity.
Find a quiet place and read a book. Read something spiritual or uplifting. Sleep in. Stay in bed with coffee or tea a little longer before starting your day.
Don't over work yourself. Take a mental health day off from work. The work will still be there when you get back. Stay in your pajamas all day and be lazy for a change. If you're sick, take a sick day. Pay attention to your body and go see the doctor.
Go off your diet and eat comfort food once in a while. Nourish your body and soul. Eat that dessert. Drink a glass of wine. Slow down and savor each bite. Try eating whole foods for 30 days. You'd be amazed at how clean eating can re-energize you. You might decide to keep going!
Exercise. Even if it's just taking a long walk several times a week. The fresh air will do you a world of good! Try yoga.
Forgive yourself. Forgive others. Forgiveness is not accepting bad behavior. It's letting go of negative emotions and not letting them run you. The best revenge is to live a good life and be happy!
Spend time with people who lift you up and validate you. Your circle can be smaller and closer. It's quality, not quantity. Arguing is a waste of your energy.
Hang crystals and wind chimes in the windows. Fill your rooms with rainbows! Polly-Anna had the right idea! Charge your crystals in the full moon and water your plants with moon water.
Enjoy the gift of the precious present. Yesterday is gone so don't cry for long over it. Tomorrow isn't here yet. Plan, however be flexible and adjust as necessary. Practice the Pause. Ask yourself - Is it True? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? Wisdom is knowing when to speak and what to say. Actually listen and stop interrupting others. Also anything that triggers you is worth looking at.
Namaste. My soul honors your soul. I honor the place in you where the entire Universe resides. I honor the light, love, truth, beauty and peace within you, because it is also within me. In sharing these things we are united, we are the same. We are One. xo Love Bohemian Queen