Is your self care a priority or are you last on your list?
I talk to women all the time about taking time for themselves and I often hear, ‘I have no time’. Do you find yourself saying the same thing? If you are, stop and think about your daily responsibilities and how you are spending your down time? You want to make sure that some of that down time involves nurturing and pouring back into yourself.
Self care is about taking care of yourself and treating yourself as kindly as you treat others. Many of us do not prioritize our self care and therefore we fall to the bottom of our list.
Self care should be a priority, when we take care of ourselves first, we are at our best and we are able to take better care of others as we cannot pour from an empty cup. I look at self care in a holistic way in that it should be part of your life that helps us to function optimally as a human being. Similar to our car, it needs proper fuel in order to function and periodically needs to be serviced.
Self care looks different for everyone, it can be as simple as taking a walk to going to the spa or spending time with friends and family. As long as it is a way for you to take time out to reset and recharge. Find what you enjoy and do that.
A glimpse into my personal self care routine
Mindset is a critical component of my self care so I always want to make sure that I am starting everyday in the right frame of mind and with the right attitude. I set the intention for everyday to be an awesome day, despite how it turns out, but that is my intention.
As Louise says, “How you start your day is how you live your day. How you live your day is how you live your life”.
My self care starts the minute you wake up
After bathroom duties, 20-22 ounces of room temperature water with lemon, turmeric, ACV
On my mat for meditation, journaling and yoga practice or some other form of exercise (don't always do them all every day but at least 2). This practice sets me up for the day.
Other aspects of my self care includes daily exercise outside if yoga, running, walking, aerobics, strength training, etc.
Essential oils protocol
Morning ritual - using geranium or some of my other favorite oils in my shower
Diffuse wild orange and peppermint in the morning and often throughout the day
Later in the afternoon if my energy is low or I am feeling a bit overwhelmed. You can also massage essential oils on your pulse points to create calm in your body
Night time essential oil protocol diffuse and placing oils on pulse points, back of head, bottoms of feet
Here are a few ways to take care of YOU
Select the ones that resonates with you and start there
Take the time to prioritize your day each morning (what are the top 2-3 things you want to get done today?). Diffuse citrus essential oils to get you energized for the day.
Speak to yourself more kindly
Take deep breaths during the day
Reduce time on the computer and TV
Eat more slowly and notice the taste and texture of the food
Read a book or watch a movie
Listen to music that will calm, ignite positive images and happiness
Enjoy a hot bath with epsom salt and your favorite essential oils, lavender is great for baths
Meditate and/or do yoga
Get a massage or facial
Exercise or go on a walk and observe nature, the wonders of this beautiful earth that we enjoy. Listen to all the sounds around you, observe the plants, animals and people going by.
Focus on the positive. Practice positive self talk, be mindful of the conversations you have with yourself. You can always forgive yourself and correct the story and start again, you are allowed.
Keep a journal. Journaling first thing in the morning can be super therapeutic. Be sure to express gratitude for all that you have and will have.
Get enough sleep. Creating a nighttime ritual using essential oils can be an effective way to calm your mind and body and prepare you for bed. Diffusing your Lavender, serenity or Cedarwood about 30-60 minutes before bed will support a calm state; using a spray bottle; combine several drops of Lavender or serenity with water and spritz your pillow; apply lavender or serenity to your pulse points (e.g. wrists, back of neck, bottom of feet) right before bed.
In Good Health,
Deon
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to provide medical advice. The purpose is to provide education and broader understanding to my readers. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. I do not recommend or prescribe, or recommend changing dosage or discontinuing, any prescription medications or pharmaceutical drugs.
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