Practicing Self Care Everyday | Self Care Saturday
Self Care should include the routines, activities and items that are a part of your everyday life.
Last week, I encouraged you to think about your own space. Today, I want to ask you to take a few minutes and think about your daily life and routine. When we discuss self care, it is often about the things we can do when daily life becomes hectic and overwhelming. However, good self care begins on a daily basis with small actions that become routine. Does your daily routine include:- Stretching before you even get out of bed (the first thing any animal does before getting up from a nap is to stretch – you should too)
- Waking up a few minutes before the rest of your family – use this time to mediate or journal
- Check your breathing – when we are stressed/anxious we often hold our breath. If you catch yourself sighing, slow down and practice deep breathing.
- Using a shower gel and lotion that you enjoy (think about the aromas that make you happy)
- Drinking plenty of water
- Make sure you have clothes/jewelry that make you feel good (they do not have to be expensive)
- Listen to music that you enjoy on your commute to work
- Eat food that nourishes your body and doesn’t drag you down
- Exercise and move your body (our body keeps in stress and needs to be released)
- Make time for sleep (our body needs time to heal from the day and most of us do not receive enough sleep)
Specifically, make sure that each day you are surrounded by something that makes you stop and smile.
The items don’t have to be of monetary value, although it is ok if they are. It could be a note or card from a friend or a loved one that you have on a bulletin board. It can be the use of a mixing bowl that belonged to your grandmother or it can be the use of your favorite perfume. Here are a few of self care items that I utilize almost everyday. Daily I drink from what has become my favorite mug. (The grey is no longer available but I do love the brown)
Additionally, I have beautiful royal blue plates that make me smile each time I use them. (I actually had a photo of my favorite plate and mug). I purchased the plates at Target last summer. Sadly, they are no longer available.)
What does your everyday self care routine look like? Remember, you can begin a new routine today!!
I love this series! I definitely need to practice self care more often. I get too caught up in everything going on around me that I don’t take enough time for myself.
Mar, I think this happens to everyone. I”m going through a time right now where it’s becoming increasingly hard to make sure I’m doing what I need to do for myself.
I love how you simplify and provide direction for self care! I have to be at work so early that I find it hard to wake up early enough to have a leisurely stretch or quiet time 🙁 but I try to use my commute (only 15 minutes) to listen to music and prepare myself for the day. On my days off I drink coffee or tea from my favorite mug and read my favorite daily devotionals. And I’m really working on getting a consistent 7 hours of sleep a night- easy on my days off but not when I work! Love these ideas!
Sleep is so important! I’ve been struggling the last few nights and I’m feeling it. I truly believe that the small things we do on a daily basis do help to maintain us!
I love that shirt, and I would purchase one in every color that I would wear. I made a wrap that I would wear everyday if I could.
Oh Jessa, it is so hard for me to not wear one of my sweaters everyday. I apologized to James once that I seem to be wearing the same sweater over and over! 🙂 I would love to see your wrap.
I have tried to start to get into the habit of stretching in the mornings before I start my day (it happens most mornings, although not every day). I like to sit and drink my cup of coffee for about 15-20 minutes while I read something. I’m really bummed if I miss out on this part of my day. Wonderful tips, stopping by from SITS!
Bev, I love the ritual of sitting with my coffee and reading. Like you, I’m not able to do it everyday but it is something I enjoy. So glad you stopped by.
I think finding things that make you feel cared for and loved is so important. It seems like you have mindfulness down to an art. Being aware of the little things really makes a big difference! Found you at SITS!
Oh Elizabeth, I’m a constant work in progress but I do try notice the small things. I’m so glad you stopped by
Self care is so important and I think often times we focus on our outer appearance and think we’re taking care of ourselves. However we need to take care of ourselves internally. Like you mentioned mediation, taking deep breaths and doing things that makes us feel good inside and out. I’m having a workshop at the end of the month and I will share some of your tips with my group. Stopping by from SITS!
I always consider it a compliment when someone shares something I have shared. That is how we are each going to help change and help each other to become better. I also agree that we fall into the myth that if we look good on the outside, then that is all we have to do. Sadly, I’ve worked with many who looked good on the outside but were falling apart otherwise. Thank you for stopping by and connecting!!
I practice most of the things you mentioned, stretches, breathing, gratitude, I must include some aromas to make me happy and also get into some reading.. thanks for sharing
It’s always good to know you have a good practice going!! Aromatherapy has become one of my favorite things! Thanks for stopping by.