Self-care is not all getting a massage, buying flowers, or taking a bubble bath.
It’s what happens in the small moments.
In the moments in and around and between, and therefore infused within the rest of our day.
Especially when something devastating happens and we’re rocked to the core.
It is then that we learn…
It is the smallest things, when done with intention and care, that hold the greatest power.
Here are 21 simple ways you can begin to practice this intentional and mindfulness based self care today:
1.
Brush.
Your hair, your teeth.
With Gentleness and care.
2.
Cleanse.
Connect with water.
Washing away. Cleansing.
Wash your face. Take a shower or bath. Even rinse your hands.
Big or small. Do it with intention.
3.
Support.
Wrap yourself in love and support.
Soft blanket. Arm around self. (Lying down, anxiety relief pose, hand on heart.)
Any gesture that say’s to yourself,
“I’ve got you.
I’m here with you.
I’m wrapping you in love and support.”
4.
Touch.
Place one hand gently on the other arm or shoulder.
Feel.
Move and touch in another place.
Knees. Thighs. Hands. Feet.
Touch. Feel.
Connect to your own self.
5.
Sip.
Tea. Lemon water. Green juice.
Hold your cup or mug or container with care.
Feel how it feels against your skin.
Sip with intention.
Drinking in nourishment.
Feeling the liquid in your mouth.
6.
Look.
Out the window. Around the room.
Notice the little details of what’s around you. And how they fit into the big picture.
7.
Breathe.
Allow a breath to come in and allow yourself to be breathed.
What is it like to feel this happening for you,
Without pushing or straining,
Without effort
Just flow.
This is grace.
8.
Stretch.
Arms over your head. Or sit up tall. Twist your spine or shimmy it side to side.
Point your toes. Spread your fingers wide.
Big or small, breath with it as you do.
Pay attention to each muscle.
Savor the feel good
Like a cat or dog up from a nap in the sun.
9.
Rest.
In an armchair. On the couch.
Or stretch out in bed and take a nap.
10.
Connect.
With nature. With a family member. With a pet. With a friend.
11.
Listen.
To the birds.
To the hum of the refrigerator.
To the sound of your own breath.
Or even the sound of silence.
12.
Feel.
Cry. Laugh. Sit and stare.
Feel the sensations in your body.
13.
Eat.
Something nourishing.
Simple or extravagant, whichever suits your energy, time, and interest.
Prepare each ingredient with care.
Going as slow as you can stand to go.
Feeling your breath and infusing in love to every bite you’ll offer yourself.
14.
Pray.
For support. To give thanks.
To ask. To listen.
Pour your heart out with no holding back.
Feel the empty space within
Now ready to receive.
Feel the love stream in.
Always within. And throughout.
15.
Dance.
Even if just the move of a wrist.
A wiggling of your fingers.
A shimmy of your hips.
16.
Sing.
Out loud or in your mind.
To a song played loud or a solo on your own.
Belt it out strong or hum quietly in close.
Your favorite song. One of comfort. Or only sounds that match how you feel, without a specific song at all.
17.
Write.
In a journal. In your mind.
In a letter. Or in a document on your computer.
Let words flow. See what wants to come out.
Thoughts. Feelings.
Questions. Answers.
Or memories and gratitude you’d like to share with someone you know.
18.
Ground.
Feel your feet on the ground.
On the carpet. Hardwood floor.
Dirt or grass or concrete found outside.
Feel the texture.
Feel the connection.
Here for you in this moment.
19.
Smile.
Do something that makes YOU smile.
Set a photo of you love as your laptop background.
Watch the chipmunks play outside.
Take your dog for a walk or snuggle inside.
Google pictures of baby animals.
Throw confetti in the air.
Anything that makes you smile.
A true and genuine smile.
20.
Talk.
To a therapist. To a friend.
To the angels. To the birds.
Share with whoever you feel in your heart you’d like to share.
Talk about what’s in your heart.
Or what you see outside.
Or maybe even some memories
That bring tears of gratitude or delight.
Or even that are just plain funny
And make you both downright laugh out loud.
21.
Savor.
A memory that feels warm and gooey and fills you with gratitude and makes you feel abundant.
What did you think of this list? Are there any you already practice?
Which one was your favorite?
Leave a comment below and let me know — I’d love to hear!
And you never know who else may benefit from what you have within your heart to share.
Much love to you, now and always,
Caitlin
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