Self-Care

No, really. Not just as a construct, but in thinking clearly and purposefully about what that means to you on a daily basis- not just on levels of physical health, though that is certainly included, but on all the levels of health- physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

 

In working with my clients for over a decade, and on myself for the as thirty years, I have found that if you neglect to focus on each area every day of your life, you are missing the graceful and necessary opportunity to become whole.

Here’s how to focus on each of these levels every day.

 

First thing in the morning, write down in your journal how you want to care for yourself, based on what your highest self needs intuitively (more on intuition in an upcoming column), for that day.

Physically- You may feel racy and require a run today to feel more balanced, or perhaps you’re burning the candle at both ends and need some gentle yoga, or a walk in nature.  List what you feel your body needs in terms of feeling physically well, which may also include eating right, grounding yourself, resting during the day, sleeping longer, etc. Once you decide what that ONE ACTION is for you, go do it. (once all the other levels are addressed).

Emotionally- You might feel disconnected from others after working so intensely for a few days and need to call a friend you haven’t spoken to in awhile, or maybe your heart is holding onto something and you need to open it- through a sad movie, or a deep conversation with someone you trust. Decide what that ONE CHOICE will be for you today and then act on it, knowing you are going to lift yourself to a higher place through that one decision.

Mentally- You might be feeling ultra-negative this week and in need of inspiration. Choose a podcast to listen to for twenty minutes while you are preparing for the day, realizing that you really ought to do this every day and why haven’t you because it boosts your thoughts, expands your horizons and gets you in a more positive space right out of the gate. Choose the podcast host, subject matter or music that speaks to you, and go listen, knowing you are feeding your mind well.

Spiritually- When was the last time you listened to your inner wisdom, to the Universe, either in quiet contemplation in your chosen place of worship, in nature or in your home sitting in silence? Schedule five simple minutes to stop today and tune in to what your highest self needs to say, needs you to know, in order to live your best life.

Enjoy every moment of that stillness, knowing what comes to you holds no comparison to outside influence.

Addressing these four levels of wellness each day allows you to create the life you truly want to live, to feel powerful and healthy and to move forward in the vein of  becoming whole.