6 Ways I Practice Self Care
As the days pass rapidly and the busiest seasons of the year approach (insert all of the upcoming holidays here). I wanted to share 6 very helpful ways that I practice self care. These tips have been very much needed as I am wrapping up a major project at work, working on my own personal goals, volunteering, and just LIVING life ya'll. I found myself at times feeling anxious, restless, and juggling too many task. I had to PURPOSELY practice self care.
These "6 Ways I Practice Self Care," can easily be incorporated into your daily life:
1. Spa Day
I take out the time to have a spa day. I make an appointment and get a manicure and pedicure. I would get manicures every other month and do at home mani's and pedi's to save my coins. Yet, with a very demanding schedule at work I learned that it is the best time for me to sit quietly and get pampered especially when I have been working really hard work.
2. Self Care Day(s)
I received a promotion at work that I knew would require me to work longer hours and travel. I started taking one day or several days out of the month as "Self Care Day(s)." You may also know this as a mental health day. Yet, I prefer the term "self care" because it is more than just mental it is physical, spiritual, and emotional care that takes place. I take out time to rest and ensure I am working towards wholeness. I catch up on home task that I have been putting off. I clean. Cleaning for more is therapeutic for me as I prefer everything in my home to have a place. It gives me time to declutter and reassess my home needs.
In addition, I do things that will add value to my day like volunteering. I am a member of Junior League of Tallahassee and this year I am a Co-Chair for the Kids' Boutique committee. Kids' Boutique provides clothing and school supplies to children in the community. In the midst of my busyness planning these events and volunteering has add so much value to my days.
The alone time allowed me to present myself with the question "Are you happy with yourself?" Life happens and in the busyness of it I take out time to self reflect.
3. Step Outside My Comfort Zone
You maybe thinking how is stepping outside of your comfort zone "Shishandra" self care. Well let me tell you it is because I am doing things alone that make me uncomfortable. The last year has been a year of growth and time alone. I have found that it has allowed me to have more quiet time with God. I have been able to ensure that I am practicing "Self Love." Having alone time is a pivotal part of self care. Some places I was able to have alone time are: I took a train ride to Virginia to see my family, I toured the African American museum, and so many other things that I loved doing and I did them all alone. The best part is that I was able to enjoy time with myself. Which I completely recommend it.
4. Unplug from Social Media
If you have never unplugged from Social Media I would recommend it. I know people who have completely went off the grid and I admire them. I do 24 -72 hour breaks from Social Media as it is a distraction and i become to attach to my phone because of it.
If you have an IPhone it will track your screen usage and tell you how much time you have used the various apps on your phone. I find myself mindlessly scrolling on Social Media and wasting time that can be used for something more productive like writing, reading, and working on my goals.
5. Positive Affirmations
To ensure I set the tone of my day or even when my thoughts are going wayward I state positive affirmations to myself. I've learned what we think we internalize it and our thoughts can become a movie especially when we are frustrated or having a "not so good" day. Stating these positive affirmations have helped me to step away from situations, hear from others clearly, and allows me to encourage others. I use scriptures as well when I am doubting myself or fearful. One scripture I have repeated to myself a lot lately is 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV):
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
This scripture reminds me of what God thinks of me and allows me to taken on anything I am face with throughout my day.
6. Evening Reflections
Journaling is huge for me whether it is in a note pad or in a note in my phone. I have learned that taking out time to write out reflections of my day allow me to rest better. I find on evenings I do not complete evening reflections I dream about things I have to get done. I wake up and still have to complete the reflections.
Pairing journaling with prayer is VERY beneficial as through the journaling I can identify what is really heavy on my heart and pray about it. There are things in life that I CANNOT get through alone and my faith is definitely what sustains me.
I hope these tips encourage you to be INTENTIONAL about self care and ensure you take out time for you. Whether it is a spa day or even a few hours of "ME" time remember it is needed and it will make you a better you.
As always "Embrace God, LOVE You, and Be Fashioned For Him!"
With Love,
Shishandra D.