Five unexpected (and totally free!) self-care practices

 

Self–care is discussed a lot these days. I often read about self-care as a monthly massage or facial, dry brushing, a warm bath, or that glass of wine to unwind at the end of a hectic day. While I love all of these things, self-care can't be an escape from life, it must be a way of life.

Here are five of my self-care favorites:

Water: How it makes things new again, brings new life, and quenches our thirst. It has always been a calming presence in my life. So much so, it inspired the name of this blog! We are fortunate to live in a state with so many lakes, including a great one. It's impossible to watch the waves roll in without feeling a sense of calm wash over you.

If you can’t get to a park bench to take in a lake view, try a shower or bath. I do my best thinking during my morning shower, and the occasional evening bath quickly relieves the stress of the day.

Nourishment: If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, this one probably won’t surprise you, but I’ll say it again. When you eat nutrient-rich foods, your body will thank you. After years of living on handfuls of cereal and my kid’s leftovers, I notice a drastic change in energy when I’m purposeful and thoughtful about what I’m putting in my body. It doesn’t take a complete overhaul; start with getting more vegetables on your plate.

Get moving: While I'm not getting to the gym much in this season of my life, getting outside for a quick walk around the block does wonders for my mental health. Bonus if you can do it without music or a podcast. When I walk in silence, with only my thoughts, I can see the dimensions of my life more clearly. That’s when true recovery and growth happens.

Boundaries: Self-care is love. It is recognizing your inner feelings and needs and knowing what activities and people aren’t helping you live your best life. Boundaries are such an important part of love. I encourage you to listen to this podcast to help you to weave this into your daily practice.

Forgiveness: In the famous words of Oprah, “Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could be any different. It’s accepting the past for what it was and using this moment and this time to help yourself move forward.” I can’t think of a higher form of self-care. Forgive others. Most importantly, forgive yourself. Live with lightness and love.

Self-care is not indulgent or selfish. Self-care is healthcare! And it has become an integral part of my wellbeing. What are the ways self-care shows up in your daily routine?