Are you someone who has more than one to-do list on the go? Are you someone who wakes in the morning and instantly thinks about what you have to do, or you feel tired and simply want to stay in bed? If so, you’re not alone.
The way we start our day has a significant impact on how our day unfolds.
Thinking I’m tired, listening to negative news, or even checking your social media feeds, can all affect your mood and your productivity.
“What we focus on grows”
Think about it, you rise, check facebook and see something negative in your thread. You then read the comments and some are negative, you’re shocked at how people can be so rude. You then tell your partner about what’s happening in the online world. By now the drama has sucked you in too and you’re now creating that ripple in your own world. You’re now running late and have no time for your morning meditation. You get to work late, stressed out and your day doesn’t get much better. You’re on the back foot and it all began with the first couple of actions you took in your day.
Now imagine this…
You wake in the morning, gently stretch, give thanks for 5 things in your life and then rise. You always leave your phone in the kitchen charging over night, so without any distractions, you hop on your meditation pillow and meditate for a few minutes. You journal and set an intention. Something like… I’m at peace and I’m productive today or today I embrace life. All of this has only taken you 20 minutes. Your morning goes beautifully and so does your day. When challenges arise at work, you remember your intention and breathe, you then deal with what’s at hand with ease and grace.
This is what unfolds when we add self-care into our lives. We become more present, aware and able to consciously respond to life.
Self-care looks different for each person. The key point is to make it work for you and to remember that looking after yourself has an incredible impact in your life.
Here are a few ways that you can take better care of yourself.
Walks in nature
Early nights
Mirror work
Affirmations
Stopping to eat a healthy lunch
Asking for what you need
Saying No or Yes – simply being in your truth
Surrounding yourself with people who inspire you
Naps when you need them
Listening and honoring your cycles
Speaking with your inner child
Doing what you love
Having a hobby
Learning
Listening to your body
Deleting negative self-talk
Encouraging yourself
Mediation
Breathing
Setting intentions in the morning
A bath with candles
Reading a great book
Essential oils,
Moisturizing yourself
Getting a massage or facial
Journaling
The list is endless and you don’t have to do it all.
Choose a couple of self-care rituals from the list above and then practice them consistently for 7 days.
Notice the difference in how you feel after just one week. You may find you’re more intuitive, calm, connected, inspired, courageous or abundant.
Self-care doesn’t have to be something you put on your to-do list and then try to ‘fit it in’. It can be a loving ritual that helps you begin your day in a beautiful way.
Tell me, what do you do to take care of yourself?