I think we can all agree that a big lesson that came out of 2020 is taking self-care seriously. It's in these moments of external chaos that we remember that we must take care of ourselves or no one else will. But what does that actually look like beyond taking bubble baths? Here are two of my favorite off-the-wall, less common and less cliché descriptions of self-care and how to apply them. Remember these tips in honoring and nurturing yourself from here on out.
1. Have your cake and eat it too.
Self-care is the act of honoring your needs and desires to protect, preserve and improve your wellbeing. What fills someone's cup may differ from person to person and even differ day to day. In order to take optimal care of yourself, you must be in touch with yourself. Though self-care is intended to look out for the present and future self, some days you may need revitalizing nourishment, while others you just need to indulge.
For the days where you simply need to treat yourself and give into that craving, and for the sake of both your present and future self's best interests, one of my favorite prescriptions is to enjoy a fresh, cold-pressed green juice (celery, cucumber, ginger, lemon, spinach, you name it) and a nice slice of cake. Don't love cake like I do? Pick another sweet (or savory) vice you're craving and let yourself be merry. This isn't an everyday ritual, but it's there for the hard times and the celebratory times. It's there to show you that balance is key and life isn't always about deprivation and stringency. Just enjoy - there are curative effects in that too.
2. Dance through your dimensions.
Self-care is the act of honoring your needs and desires to protect, preserve and improve your wellbeing.
The most effective self-care covers all dimensions of self: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. What fills your cup on every dimensional level may differ from the next person and may differ day to day. Though self-care is intended to be consistent and preventative in nature, some days you may need a deep release, while others seem best spent reflecting and setting intentions. Pay attention to your cycles and what feels calling to you. In order to take optimal care of yourself, you must be in touch with yourself. Personally, and for many of my clients one of the greatest ways to cover all dimensions and to thoroughly let go is to have a dance party. Alone or with friends, for three minutes or for two hours, there's no right or wrong way to do this. Drop out of your mind for a moment to do some mental self-care, release some endorphins as you possibly even get your sweat on for physical self-care, feel all the feels as you blast nostalgic tunes for that good emotional self-care, and let your spirit run the show for some spiritual self-care. Get your favorite songs on and groove. You'll thank yourself then and later.
How do you like to take care of yourself?
