Self care reminders for busy people
Taking care of ourselves is important but can be hard sometimes. We all get busy and fall off of our self care game. I’m hoping these seven basic self care reminders will help reinspire you if you have been neglecting yourself a little bit lately.
Here are seven reminders on how to practice greater self-care that may seem basic but we all need reminders sometimes:
Prioritize Sleep.
Get plenty of restful sleep each night to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. Practice going to sleep a teensy bit earlier to help with this at night. Limit caffeine after a certain time if that’s available or helpful for you. I know this can be challenging at times so always be mega kind to yourself throughout the process of trying to “sleep better”. Restorative yoga is an excellent practice to help with sleep if you need support here.
2. Get moving outside.
Find a fun physical activity you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine to reduce stress and improve your overall health. Bonus points if it’s something that can be done outside or in nature. My favorite are walks in the park and at the beach. When you walk barefoot you are also experiencing the benefits of grounding.
3. Fuel your body.
Feed your body with nourishing whole foods to give yourself the energy you need to feel your best. Every person requires slightly different things because bioindividuality is real! Experiment to find out what diet and lifestyle best supports your highest good (but remember that pretty much all bodies can benefit from eating mostly whole foods found in nature and limiting refined and processed foods). Also be sure to drink enough water!
4. Take regular breaks.
Whenever possible, take little breaks throughout the day to recharge and relax. Whether it's a quick walk or a few moments of meditation, make sure you take time to clear your mind and take some present breaths. Have a mini dance party with yourself|! A little goes a long way and before you know it you’ll have cultivated more mindfulness! Which brings me to the next reminder.
5. Practice mindfulness.
Practicing mindfulness can help you to stay present and reduce stress. Try out mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Bring your awareness to the present moment and appreciate the unique data coming in through your senses and what is unfolding for you in the now. In this moment feel the air coming in through your nostrils, hitting the back of your throat, moving throughout the ribcage and then exiting you a little warmer than when it entered you. Begin with three conscious breaths and move from there.
6. Honor your sacred no.
Remember that it's okay to set boundaries and to say no to things that don't align with your values or priorities. Prioritizing your needs is an important part of taking care of yourself. Also feel free to honor your sacred yes with people, places and things that light you up and make you feel “warm”.
7. Seek support.
Connect with loved ones to cultivate a supportive and positive social network. Spending time with friends and family can help reduce stress and boost your mood and having an aligned tribe can radically transform your life and the way you see yourself. Remember the old adage “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Remember, self-care is a personal journey and it's important to start small and be patient with yourself as you build healthy habits.
You deserve to prioritize your well-being and enjoy the benefits of taking care of yourself! Just like it was said in the Four Agreements, always do your best. Know that if you’re doing your best then that mean voice in your head can’t really come for you because well, you did your best!
Coming back around to self care can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience and it’s so important to take time, whenever we can, to be with ourselves. The “mud” of our lives may get in the way sometimes, but if we bring presence and care to our day we can blossom out of that mud into the “lotus consciousness” of sweetness and ease so much easier.
