Self Care
The art of self care. It's a practiced discipline, and the more I learn about taking care of myself FIRST, the more I discover how much I've been lacking in this area.
When we hear the term, 'self care,' I think our brains immediately jump to some version of self shaming, which is completely the opposite of what our bodies, minds, and emotions need. Until recently, when I began diving deeper into the whole idea of, 'taking care of myself before I do anything else,' my first reaction to self care was a regime of must's:
* MUST exercise
* MUST eat perfectly clean
* MUST maintain a perfected balance between work, family, and hobbies
Sound familiar? Oh, you too, hmm? Well, it's good to know I'm not alone.
It's Time To Change Your Mindset
Now that we've established that we need a new perspective on self care, let's define what self care should be:
---> SELF CARE: (My own paraphrasing here) Successfully putting your own well-being before tending to the needs and demands of others.
Set Up Your Morning The Night Before
When it comes to starting off on the right foot, your intentions and planning must happen the night before. Take ten to fifteen minutes to lay out a plan for your day. It should look something like this:
Choose a time, earlier than normal, for when you will get out of bed.
Select a cozy space somewhere in the house where you can settle with your morning routine.
Set out a few reading materials that support you spiritually, mentally, and emotionally, and even a journal and a favorite pen.
Create a list of the three most important things you will accomplish for that day. Yes, only three.
Set out your supplements, a few oils to help support feelings of calm and alertness, and a mug for your favorite warm drink.
Make a plan to move your body, even if it's just light stretching, or yoga poses.
Go to bed leaving enough time for a good night's sleep.
Practice The Rule Of 10
You have your list, you have your tools, and you're ready. So what's next? Practice spending ten minutes on each item, consistently. If you are able to give more time to each item, you can. At the very minimum, setting aside at least ten minutes to accomplish your morning list gives you consistency-- the key to nailing this self-care thing.
I find that I need to wake up an hour before my husband, to get in the time for my morning list. This creates space for me to settle in, and to not feel rushed at any one thing. Being able to center on your tasks gives you empowerment for the day ahead, so it is worth the earlier bedtime, and early wake-up call!
My Morning Of Awesome
I have a favorite corner in our living room where I like to settle in with my Bible, my journal and a colorful pen, one book that I'm currently reading, and my coffee. I spend time reading a chapter in both my Bible (currently reading through Corinthians), and also the chosen personal development book of choice. Once my reading is completed, I journal.
Gratitude is everything, and there are a lot of mornings that I simply begin my journal portion with a list of things (and people) that I'm thankful for. Beginning each day with gratitude changes the course of your whole life! It's powerful stuff, friends.
Dream Big On Paper
My journal sessions are never complete without some big dreams going down on those pages! Taking a few minutes to write down a detailed description of how you will live, and what you will do when those dreams are reality charts a big course for your life. Write it down- make it happen!
Move Your Body
Giving your body the time to move first thing in the morning is so good for you! Remember, however, that it doesn't have to be a hard-core, 80 minute cross training routine. (Although, if you're feeling it, do it!) Again, remembering your ten-minute rule, get out a yoga mat, or just find some space, and stretch. Going for a ten minute walk outdoors is another great way to begin your day. Whatever you choose, remember to be gentle and loving to yourself, and what your body needs. Everyone is different, and learning to read your body's signals is how you learn to support yourself in the long-term.
I want to spend a little extra time here, specifically to say this: do not associate self-care practices with shame, guilt, or any other negative energy. You are learning to build yourself up physically, mentally, and emotionally, and there is no room there for harmful thoughts. Start by gently going through a few stretches, and allow your body to heal and energize itself. Given the space and tools that it needs, your body will do just that!
After The Quiet
Once these first items are completed, my house gets a bit crazier for a while, as we prepare to see my husband off to work, finish breakfast, and any morning errands that need to be completed. This is where writing down your three goals for the day, the night before, comes into play. I find that, once I have written something down, I am almost guaranteed to accomplish it. It is simply a law of nature. Write it down- make it happen. You will find that you will not feel overwhelmed by a long list of tasks, because you are sticking to three for that day. You will also find that your quick list will solidify in your mind which things you are working towards for the day. You will gravitate toward making space for these things to happen, naturally, and by the end of the day, you will be successful AND free from stress!
I work from a home office, and so that means that I am also blocking out time for my work. My three items for the day usually fall into the window of time that I create for work, but life's not perfect, and that doesn't always happen the way that I plan. Stay flexible, and work within pockets of time that your day allows-- you will move in your day fluidly, and those things will happen! Even if it means shuffling things around a bit.
Reset By Summer
A big portion of our reset (beginning in just a few days!) is learning the art of self care. Get a jump-start on our reset by implementing this morning routine now. Prepare the night before, keep it simple and inviting, and be gentle with yourself.
A great way to support your mind, body, and emotions is to use oils! Whether you choose to diffuse (hey, a little rhyming action!), or you apply them via your favorite roller ball, oils support our every endeavor. A lot of balancing our life involves centering our minds, and our emotions-- and oils support this!
Emotional Support in a beautiful kit!
Are You Ready To Get Started With Oils?
I would love to help you begin this journey of wellness and FREEDOM. Just for you, I'm offering FREE 30 minute wellness consultations! Reach out to me at
greenbean.home@gmail.com
I can't wait to talk to you!















