PERSONAL CARE PRACTICE

   This cooler weather started me thinking about harvest, fresh foods and nourishment for our bodies and mind.  Fall, the season where we harvest what we've planted and nurtured through the summer.   We layer for the frosty mornings and chill evenings and lessen the clothes during the day when the sun warms our bodies.
We start to spend more time inside and now is the perfect opportunity to start a self care practice, focusing on yourself.  
   
​So who has time for SELF CARE??
   I know we’ve thought; I don’t have time, I wish I had time, I’m exhausted.  So…if WE think these thoughts and have these feelings, are others in our house feeling the same?



   A great way to incorporate personal care, is to involve the family so they receive the benefit and learn the value of self care and time spent doing what brings them balance and calm.   This practices brings awareness of how much we require personal care.   How much it's worth in our lives while conveying the importance of forming healthy habits in reducing stress and anxiety. 
   How many of us have thought...I would love to sit and read a book for 15-30 minutes uninterrupted, or something of our choosing that brings us calm, peace and rejuvenates us.
  Here are some ideas to help you develop "self care time" and to inspire you to create your own 

1. Cooking a nutritious meal
2. Drawing, colouring, doodling
3. Any creative project
4. Drink more water
5. Go for walk, jog, stretch, yoga
6. Listening to music, dancing, singing
7. Writing what you are grateful for today, this week, month
8. Watching the sunrise, sunset, look up at the stars, the moon
9. Clean out a closet or a drawer
10. Time with nature, pets
11. It’s okay to do nothing – without guilt
12. Deep Breathing

   Personal care doesn’t have to be hours out of our day, these can be minutes that you are focused on you.  Even asking yourself how you feel, genuinely asking and listening for the answer, is personal care.  Noticing these small moments is self awareness!  I do ask myself this question;” how do I feel?”  My awareness goes to my mind and body and I feel - how a feel, allowing me to assess, process and carry on with my day.     
     Here are 4 simple ones that we do automatically, AND when we consciously do these, we are now in self care mode.  A few times during your day has a huge impact on your mental well being.
      1.Breath deeply 3 times
       2. Drink water
       3. Smile
       4. See 5 things you are grateful for
   The benefits I have felt with these quick moments have added up to substantial well being and formed a regular practice.  I block time for more in-depth care, such as massage, spa’s, meditation, or exercise, which I incorporate into my weekly or monthly routines.
   When we integrate personal care to our household, we create the awareness with our family, everyone understands the value of self care and respects when others are practicing their care time.  We can do this as individuals or as a family.  The importance is to add a little self care to everyday so it doesn't feel like a chore.
   Mixing habit changes into our daily lives makes it easier to bring the changes we so desire and require in our lives. WE ARE in control of OUR schedule.  
   There are numerous ways to bring self care into our lives that don't have to cost money, in fact the ones that don't cost money, I believe bring us greater fulfillment
   I hope that I have inspired you and highlighted how easy mindful small moments contribute to great days!
   Leave a comment and let me know how you incorporate self care to your everyday to be mindful of self.  

  

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