Daily self-care practices
Diligently practicing good self-care greatly reduces
stress. It helps people to be best
equipped to handle the ups and downs of daily life as well as major change and
transition. I have used the daily practices listed below in my own life for
many years. This routine has helped me to keep my emotional equilibrium even
during times of great uncertainty. In addition, my clients have benefitted
greatly from these ideas as they navigated major shifts in their own lives.
Two lists appear below. The first includes daily practices
that I highly recommend. There is probably nothing here you haven’t already
heard about. Still, regularly practicing them will make life so much
easier. Turbulence decreases and overall
well-being expands. The second list includes activities I recommend to people,
like me, who are very sensitive. These habits enable me to keep an open heart
because I am practicing good self-care. Pick and embrace those ideas that
inspire you.
The basic list
I share the habits here that work well for me, my clients, my
students, and my readers. Don’t be overwhelmed! Take one small step at a time.
This will get you moving in the right direction.
1. Eat healthy food. This
means eating organic food when possible, lots of fruits and vegetables, and a
pharmaceutical grade multi-vitamin. Organic food is widely available from
health food stores as well as membership community farms.
2. Drink lots of water.
Especially during times of concentration, it’s important to drink plenty of
water. The harder our brains work, the more quickly we become dehydrated.
Drinking water all day long will help you to think more clearly and feel more
energetic. And, we know that a fully-hydrated body creates supple skin.
3. Get enough sleep. When I
ask my workshop attendees if they are getting enough sleep on a regular basis,
only a few hands go up. Adequate sleep is required for good health and
emotional well-being. You simply can’t function at your best without enough
sleep. In addition, lack of sleep leads to higher levels of stress as your mind
and body strive to compensate.
4. Get exercise. This could be
walking, working out at the gym, stretching with yoga, or anything that
increases your energy and heart rate. Exercise is a great way to feel good,
maintain a healthy body weight, and reduce stress.
5. Engage in a spiritual practice. This could be
meditation, being in nature, practicing yoga, or anything that’s meaningful to
you. Once in the morning and once in the evening “book-ends” your schedule so
you can be centered and grounded throughout the day.
6. Get outside daily. Spending time outside in nature
and getting fresh air is so important to mental health and a positive outlook.
Notice how much better you feel after spending time outdoors.
7. Write in a journal. It’s a
good idea to get your thoughts down on paper at the end or beginning of the
day. In the beginning of the day, journaling can be used as a way to set
intentions for the day ahead. In the evening, it can be used as a way to give
thanks for all the good things that happened that day.
8. Get and give hugs. Connect
physically to loved ones and friends. This act alone can provide instant
feelings of love and affection, both important for mental and physical health.
9. Share a meal with family or
friends. This is a great way to connect with others during the day, a
beneficial ritual whose benefits are numerous.
10. Use essential oils. Pure essential oils can be
used daily to rejuvenate, calm, and provide emotional and physical
support. You can use lavender or
grapefruit essential oil on a cotton ball under your pillow at night or in a
vaporizer to ease your mind and body into sleep at the end of a busy day.
Client testimonial: "Connie helped identify for me the practical steps I needed to take as I considered starting a small business. With no business background, this understandable framework was just what I needed to create a successful new business!"
Copyright 2013 Connie Livingston All rights reserved
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