When was the last time that you stopped, listened to your body, and thought ‘gee I need a tune up!’
I do this all the time, however, over the years I have perfected the way I listen to my body. In the beginning, I was so used to ignoring the signs that my body was so sore, stressed, I wasn’t sleeping and thus, I was cranky.
When I started my journey of self-care it felt like a chore, like I HAD to do it, rather than wanting to be there. I knew it would be good for me, however, I would turn up for yoga class, and kept thinking that I should be doing the housework, or having a massage when I could have been preparing dinner in the slow cooker. My list was a mile long because I was such a procrastinator and always put everything and everyone else first.
Sound familiar?
If this is you, here are my 5 top tips to ensure that YOU put yourself first.
1. Yoga
Yes I know, I can see you rolling your eyes at that, believe me, I’ve heard every single reason. But it really is good for you when you find the right teacher.
Yoga makes you slow down, it makes you notice what your body is telling you, and it makes you stop and realise that YOU ARE IMPORTANT.
2. The art of breathing
Again, If you are new to this, it’s probably a bit woowoo. Nevertheless! Breathing and focusing on it at the same time slows down your mind, heartrate, rids of worries and concerns because you cannot think about your breath as well as daily concerns at the same time.
3. Book a treatment
This could be massage, acupuncture, osteopathy, homeopathy, facial……
This is so important, not only is it some downtime for yourself, but it also will totally relax you and make you feel on top of the world. How can this not be good!
4. Make the time for self-care, and turn up
Daily yoga, tai chi, walking, swimming, whatever you choose, and turn up. This is important, and the first step to creating a good habit.
Turning up can be to an online class or a physical class, it doesn’t matter how or where, just turn up….for you.
5. Once your newly formed self-care regime is in place, don’t let anyone or anything interrupt this process.
You are important and need to be pampered, looked after, loved and completely nurtured.
Today’s homework for you is to work out what you might like to do as self-care, then find a local service, make an appointment, turn up, relax, and let go of any guilt for pampering yourself, (the laundry can wait).
If you need an example from the queen of self-care, here is mine;
I practice yoga at home for ten minutes, every day.
Once a week I have a massage.
Every Thursday morning at 6am, I log into a Pranayama (breathing) class via Zoom, and allow someone else to guide me through techniques. It’s nice to not be the teacher all the time.
I wonder what your self-care will be now?
Always be kind to yourself, move with ease and grace. You are the most important person in your life.
Namaste.
This story was originally published on The Carousel.
