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If it's one thing for sure, it's that 2020 created the need for a deeper meaning of self-care for me and so many others. During such turbulent times, taking time for yourself has never been more important and in my experience life changing.
So why all the fuss about self-care?
In my view, self-care is how you recharge yourself.
The google meaning; 'The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health.'
So, it makes sense to me, that with more time at home or not in our normal life routine, that we need to find new ways to incorporate self-care into our everyday lives. This not only benefits our health version of wellbeing but also our fulfilment and ability to navigate unprecedented times.
My go to self-care rituals;
With all the challenges this year including working from home and periods of work places being closed, making routine has been really important for me. The below has really impacted my year in a positive sense. However, it's important for me to note, anxiety in a year like 2020 is at a high. I have managed anxiety over the years and know how important it is to make sure you get the support you need and now is more important than ever. I have always been a huge advocate for therapy and mental health support. It doesn't define you or make you weak. Only you can help yourself and using all available resources and tools is empowering in itself.
- Making morning rituals. For a not so morning person, this year I created a morning ritual. I'm proud to say this is one of my favourite times of the day. I learnt the importance of this in meditation training. The first step to this is to make sure you have a space that you enjoy being in. Think about adding items like a humidifier which can help cleanse your space and add relaxation. To overview my morning ritual; Wake up, play my favourite music, slowly make my way to my yoga matt, drink some hot water and lemon then ending with doing some meditation and on a good day journaling. For me, this works really well as my day starts in a positive way. I recommend finding what suits you and make sure you start your day with posirtive energy.
- Long baths. I have loved taking a bath a few times a week to unwind and relax all my muscles while taking some proper time out. Bathing cleanses and moisturises your skin, hair and eyes. I get the BEST bath salts/bombs from local business Hippie Mumma making my baths extra luxurious. My other go-to recommendation is Epson Salt baths, which I love to use after more intensive workout days.
- Long walks & pilates. This year my average steps have doubled on average to 2019. Walking the dog seemed like an easy way to stay moving. At the start of isolation my goal was 10,000 steps a day, then it slowly has been increasing and I have even started running! With the one hour restrictions on outdoor of exercise at the moment in Melbourne, it means I cherish that hour and try go when the sun it out to make the most of the day. I have also been enjoying pilates from home which is super easy to do in any place any time. Using my ankle weights, I try challenge myself and have seen my strength dramatically improve. I think the key is to move however your body enjoys, try taking a call while walking the block, or whatever gets you out and moving.
- Video Calls.
I love catching up with friends and family, 2020 has been no exception. Technology makes it so easy to stay connected and group chats make it fun to keep in touch with friends and keep communication moving. Community is so important to me and I think for all of us finding creative ways to stay in touch has never been more important.
- Cooking.
For a foodie like me, I love trying new dishes and challenging myself in the kitchen. I love choosing a meal I really enjoy or want to try for the first time and making it a new project to learn and cook. I have been really enjoying incorporating a heavy fruit and vegetable diet this year and have never felt better. I know this is different for everyone, but I recommend whatever feels good. There are so many youtube videos for those that want more guidance on cooking too. The world is your oyster.
- Reading.
For the past few years I have loved reading work in the self-care and spiritual space. Authors like Eckhart Tolle and books such as The New Earth and One with Life have been great bedside table staples. At the moment my favourite reading time is Poetry including the well known Rumi.
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. - Rumi
- Painting.
Art time is my favourite thing to do. Flowing with paints and artistic projects has been a really fun part of 2020. Doing different artistic projects for myself this year has been a great recharge for me. For anyone who wants to get into painting and doesn't know where to start, reach out I would be happy to give you some ideas. Play and have fun with it, I think that is the key.
- Journaling.
This one is a big one for me. There is huge power in writing and putting down our thoughts or experiences onto paper. Even if it is never read again, I think it can be a great healing process. I love to keep my journals and do some reflecting on them during certain times. Even keeping track of my gratitude lists, goals, dreams, ideas, problems, writing can be a great way to explore thoughts and often help us put things together.
- Meditating & Yoga.
I started getting really into Yoga toward the end of 2019. But when working from home started in March, I thought what a great way to incorporate this into my daily morning routine. I can proudly say there hasn't been a day that's passed that Yoga has not been part of my day. Even if it is only a short session in the morning, I really cherish this time to unwind and slow down. My flexibility has also never been so strong, so I highly recommend for anyone wanting to challenge their fitness and calm their body and mind.
THE NEW BRAND FRESH FACED
My journey with face tools has been a great experience so far. I have been using a Jade roller (1+years) and Gua Sha tool for the past few months and have loved the results. Incorporating natural ancient remedies into my beauty routine has been very recharging.
If you are interested in using face tools, a new brand called Fresh Faced has just launched. What I love most about Fresh Faced, is that they are a new brand focused on empowering women with self-care and debunking all the fluff around skincare and the thousands of products out there. Check them out and let me know what you think. You might see my face across their socials, obviously I am a big fan.
YOU ARE ENOUGH. You don't need anything else to be worthy and amazing. I think the key with self-care is to focus on feeling great from within yourself which is a unique journey for everybody. What makes you feel recharged? Add this into your daily routine and you will start to see a shift in your world. I hope this helps you to find some ideas or open conversations with yourself about what you can do to make your self-care in 2020 work wonders.
Some fantastic resources for more about Self-Care;
Thank you,
TM
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