Source: Blissful Mind
As hard as it may be to believe, we’re about to start a brand new year. 2017 is basically here! After the excitement of the holidays, it’s time to look ahead to turning the page to a new year. Once you end 2016 with a bang, get 2017 off on the right foot with a fresh start. Rejuvenate yourself by developing a self-care routine.
When you hear “self-care” what do you first think of? A relaxing day at the spa? Or maybe morning yoga? Self-care is a necessary component of self-love. As the phrase goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You have to take care of yourself first. You can do so by creating a routine of regular activities that foster and support your well-being and personal growth.
With that in mind, I want you to take a moment to think of your own self-care routine. What types of activities does it consist of? Is it consistent? Or just something that you do now and again when you remember? Does it even exist in the first place?
Now, I want to ask you the most important question of all: Is your self-care routine wholesome?
Self-care shouldn’t be focused on a single aspect. You should take care of your whole person. There are 5 aspects of self-care: physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and social.
Physical Self-Care
Physical self-care includes any way to care for and love your body. When you care for and respect your body on a consistent basis, you increase your confidence and comfort in your own skin.
Even if we want to commit to Physical self-care, we are usually struggling with finding the time in the day. We have identified an effective and powerful 7 minute high intensity work-out that will quell any excuse you might have to skip the gym. I mean come on, we can all fit in 7 minutes a day!
Intellectual Self-Care
Intellectual self-care is about finding the balance between stimulating your mind and giving your mind a break, and this can help with creativity, innovation, and continual learning.
Perhaps a bath soak and epic book can do the trick. Make bathtime a Sunday ritual with your favorite candle, a book to read, and some aromatic bath salts to end the week on a positive note.
Here are four books that are perfect when you need a pick-me-up, a little dose of motivation, or a good laugh.
- Big Magic By Elizabeth Gilbert
- Year of Yes By Shonda Rhimes
- Why Not Me? By Mindy Kaling
- My Paris Dream By Kate Betts
Source: Cherchezlafemme
Spiritual Self-Care
Spiritual self-care is reaching past your intellect onto a more personal level. Spiritual self-care helps us understand our purpose, give greater meaning to life, understand who we are, and foster true love of one’s self.
Feel better every day in your body, mind, and spirit with this simple yoga routine that is perfect for beginners.
Source: Yoga
Emotional Self-Care
Emotional self-care helps us understand ourselves, cope with challenges, and develop and nourish healthy relationships. We cultivate a greater sense of compassion, kindness, and love for ourselves and others when we tend to our emotional needs.
Keep a gratitude journal by your bedside, and note the things that you feel lucky to have. Everything from clean sheets to a good friend is worth noting.
Source: Odyssey
Social Self-Care
As social beings, we need to be connected to others.We should have a sense of belonging and purpose in relationship to others. Social self-care aims to keep your relationships and social circle healthy, supportive, and loving.
Say “YES” to activities that actually fulfill you, such as volunteering for something in your local community. This not only gives you the opportunity to give back, it can also help you meet people who have similar interests and lifestyle.
Remember self-care is suppose to be a positive experience. Develop a self-care routine that takes care of all of you.
