5 tips for daily self care

"Self compassion is simply giving the kindness to ourselves that we would give to others"
​
​-Chris Germer

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

I wrote the e-book "Self-care September" in literally a week towards the end of August.  It was one of those ideas that just wan't going to let me go, and I appreciate everyone who participated and gave feedback into this idea.

After reflecting on my journey through the month, I  have chosen my top five practices that were most easily digestible into my life.  Throughout the month I became unwell with a virus, and got a chance to notice how tired I was.  I also noticed that I am able to listen to my body and take its cues about when to rest.  I realised that I can say no to some things, but not to to others.  I noticed that I am well loved and supported by my partner and family.

As I went through each suggested daily practice, I found that anything out of the ordinary was hard.  Some days I am disciplined, but many days I am not.  I have a formal yoga and meditation practice several times a week and thought the informal practices through Self Care September would be a good supplement.

What I liked best were brief practices that could be done anytime of day, didn't take longer than a minute and didn't need complex instructions.  Practices that sounded good, such as using the good china - just didn't happen, although I did use the day to remind myself and people attending classes on that day to remember our special-ness.  

So at the end of this month long experiment; my top 5 tips for incorporating self care into your daily routine are:

1. Set an intention based on your values
If you value honest and truth honour that.  Create a wish as a way of remembering. "May I be truthful in each moment", or kind or patient, or whatever...Repeat to yourself a few times a day.

2.  Self Massage
Offering yourself soothing touch through massage can help relax tight muscles as well as offer kindness to yourself.  Many people rated the jaw massage very highly as a quick and effective way to ease tension a few times a day.

3.  Express gratitude for ordinary things
Stick up for the mundane in your life.  Clean sheets, a reliable pair of shoes, this glass of water. Try offering grateful for everyday experiences while they are happening.

4.  Balance
Standing on one leg helps ground us into the earth and bring us into the present moment.  It can remind us its ok to wobble.  Why not pick up one leg while waiting for the kettle, or standing in line, or as a break from sitting.

5. Come back to the breath
This tool is always with us. 21,600 (ish) times a day we can an opportunity to be nourished by the life-force of our breath.  Take a moment.  Notice. Just. This. breath.

I would love to hear more of your feedback about the practices you most enjoyed, or other self care suggestions you have. If you haven't seen the book with its 30 daily self care suggestions, let me know, or subscribe to my mailing list to get access to a copy.