WHAT EXACTLY IS A SELF CARE RITUAL?
In short, a self-care ritual is something that you do regularly which has a positive impact on your wellbeing. It breaks up the monotony of the day and makes you feel good.
Each person has a body battery, an internal part of them that knows how much energy they have to spend on the things that they need to do. The only way to fill this battery and keep energy stores high is to practice self care intentionally and regularly. Self-care can be interpreted in many different ways and it differs from person to person, but basic self care includes getting enough sleep, looking after the body with healthy food and exercise, and paying attention to what the body needs.
Looking after your body is just one way in which self-care can be practised. It often relates closely with caring for the mind, but the approach is different. Maintaining a healthy body will also help to maintain mental health. Do you ever have those feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment after completing a workout? That release of endorphins energises the body which uplifts the mind and makes your mood feel so much better.
Moving the body throughout the day is one of the best ways to maintain self-care, and a Yoga class with a short meditation is a great way to exercise both the body and the mind. The yoga positions will stretch the muscles and ease the tension that is carried throughout the body during the day, relieving stress and stress related symptoms. Feeling the body move through the poses improves the connection between the mind and body, improving balance and focus at the same time. Ending a Yoga session with meditation enables you to relax the body and quieten the mind, which in turn relieves stress and anxiety preparing you for the rest of the day.
Caring for the body includes choosing nutritious, healthy foods to eat, so you can maintain a healthy weight. Knowing that you are feeding your body the best food, can improve how you feel about yourself and improve your mood and outlook on life. Eating excess saturated fats and sugars can have a negative effect on your body, causing weight gain, cravings and feelings of guilt which creates frustration and low mood.
Fresh air is a great boost to the energy stores within the body and can help to improve focus and attention span. People have a need to be outside to remain grounded and connected to the world that surrounds them. As people are part of the world around them, they need the contact, and one of the best ways to remain grounded and at peace, is to be outside with feet bare and in contact with the Earth.
Walking through grass or on sand is a source of calm for many, and can bring focus from whatever else is happening into that moment.
Getting enough sunshine is another energy booster and a great form of vitamin D which is also beneficial for healthy bones.
Ensuring that you get ample sleep is vital to self-care, as the body and mind need enough sleep to function properly. Focussing on simple tasks are made so much more difficult if you are sleep deprived.
As well as these essential self-care rituals, it is important to take time out for yourself. Whether it be, taking a bath, dry skin brushing, meeting friends or simply relaxing with a good book, give yourself a treat and invest in your well-being. You’ll feel so much better for it!