If you have an Instagram account and follow at least one yogi, you’ve probably seen the hashtag #SelfCareSunday. It’s all about giving your body, soul, and spirit what it needs so you can face the demands of life with a renewed sense of clarity, energy, and a positive attitude. Sounds simple, right?
Most of us are so busy during the week that taking care of ourselves is the last thing we want to do. We often think of spas, Balinese retreats, or yoga classes when we imagine relaxing. But there are many things that you can do at home to achieve this feeling.
Here are my top self-care practices that you can do right at home.
Use a gratitude ritual in the morning.
Instead of dreading the day ahead, create a morning routine that will help you focus on everything good in your life. I love to go to the beach near my home in the morning and spend a minute listening to the waves.
Please take a few deep breaths and recognize how fortunate I am to be able to experience this every morning. Find something in your house or neighborhood to give you that feeling of gratitude. Take the time to appreciate each sip of your coffee and the moment of stillness.
Morning detox is a good idea.
Stress can make it difficult to eat well. Anxiety and tension can also affect digestion. Drinking a cup of warm water mixed with lemon each morning can help detoxify the body. It will help you to jumpstart your digestion, and it’ll give you an extra health boost for the day.
Restorative Yoga is a great way to relax.
Many of us feel pressured to go to the gym daily. It is important to give your body a rest as well as be active. You can do many yoga poses at home and in bed. You can also use them to relax before bedtime for a better night’s sleep. Here are some great poses that will help you fall asleep.
Make your bathtub a spa.
There is nothing more relaxing than a warm bath at the end of a busy day. Add some essential oils to your bath (chamomile, lavender, or rose are all great for ultimate relaxation). Try an Epsom Salt Bath if you are feeling sick, sore, or depleted. This ancient remedy has been said to reduce muscle pain and menstrual discomfort, increase circulation, and detoxify the body.
Invest in a diffuser that uses essential oils.
These powerful oils will help you center, soothe, and rejuvenate yourself, whether it is stress, anger or sadness, headaches, or creative blockages. Many diffusers come with starter kits of essential oils. You can keep one in the bedroom to create a peaceful night’s sleep or in your office to promote healing throughout the day.
Create a sacred area.
We go on vacations, visit spas, and spend time in the outdoors to escape the noise of everyday life. It is important to create a space in your home where you can feel calm. Create a sacred corner in your room, even if it is just a small corner. Fill this space with items that will make you feel good.
Include your favorite books. Candles, pillows, and flowers are all great ways to encourage you to be the best version of yourself. I write encouraging notes that I place in my sacred space as a reminder each day.
Do not do anything.
Yes, you can do nothing. Sit, lie down, or stand up and breathe. The single most important thing that you can do is to live. Breathing is what connects us with the present, where we don’t worry about the future or past.
This quiet stillness allows you to really listen to yourself. This is the time to tune into what your body and mind need to be at their best.
Self-care is more than a luxurious, long bath. Self-care is about making time for yourself every day. Self-care will hopefully be more than just a trend on social media. It’s about taking time each day to take care of yourself.
