Destress with Self-Care

 

This can be a game changer in your life. ..

This time of year can be demanding and stressful as we are all running around checking off items off our to-do list.

Self-care is an act of loving ourselves, nurturing our spirit so that we know we are enough. When I practice self-care, I feel relaxed, calmer and at peace. Self-care doesn’t need to cost a lot of money or any money, but it is a conscious effort on investing in ourselves. We are all worth the time so that we can feel our very best.

Setting the tone of how I want to feel helps slow down my overactive mind and helps me reconnect with the softer, calmer side of myself. I set a peaceful mood by lighting a candle and putting on my favorite soft, relaxing music. I close my eyes and think about everything I’m grateful for. When I am filled with gratitude, I’m not angry or frustrated, upset or anxious. Gratitude is an extremely powerful tool to help bring out the joy that I have. I set an intention of how I want to feel, intentionally listing all the positive ways that I want to feel for the rest of my day.

Bringing awareness to my breath helps quiet the chatter in my mind. I focus on my breath and notice the rise of my chest on the inhale and the fall as I exhale. I slowly breath in and out 10 times. The steady focus on my breath brings me steady focus and calms my stressful thoughts. This brings me a sense of peace and serenity.

I tend to take on the mood of anything I read, listen to, or watch. When I listen to an uplifting podcast or read an inspirational book, I am instantly lifted up and I feel more optimistic. Feeding my mind with positive uplifting messages really helps keep my mood light and it inspires me to be the best version of myself I can be. It can be a book on something that I’m interested in learning more about or an inspiring autobiography. Choosing a book or a podcast, something that inspires you or makes you feel calmer and more relaxed is a wonderful way to get out of the mind and the chatter, the stress and the overwhelming feeling.

By walking every day at least 30 minutes or doing another stretching and flexibility exercise like yin yoga has become a ritual of mine that really helps reduce my stress and gives me time to reconnect with myself and my thoughts. It provides me with a great opportunity to mull over any thoughts or ideas that I have. Moving my body, getting outside, taking deep breaths and fresh air, feeling the sun on my face and just noticing the world that’s happening around me is very calming and soothing to my spirit.

Doing something for myself that brings me joy doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. I love planting and tending to my plants. Spending time watering my plants, taking off the dry leaves, looking at their new growth and taking my time to make sure the sun hits them at the right angle. I love the life that they bring into my home as well as outdoor areas.

It can also be an activity, like going on a hike and having an enjoyable mid-morning breakfast with my friends. Taking a nice bath or shower and putting on body lotion from head to toe. Taking the time to do the things that really bring you joy is a beautiful way to show yourself that you value your happiness.

I tend to feel very overwhelmed when I have a lot on my plate. I have learned that when I just take a few minutes to prioritize my day and map out the things that are most important for me to achieve that day really gives me a sense of calm and makes me feel like I’m in control. I try to narrow down my large to-do list by eliminating the things that aren’t absolutely necessary for that day. I try to stick to 2 or 3 items that are most important, that must get done and I give myself permission to let go of everything else. I am kind and compassionate with myself as I realize I’m only one person and I can only do so much in a day and acknowledge that it’s ok if I don’t do everything.

When I treat myself with compassion and understanding, I’m much happier. Finding simple ways to reduce stress and relieve anxiety can be a game changer and it has been in my life. I hope that these tips will also be a game changer for you.

Sometimes life can leave us feeling stressed and anxious. With self-care you can feel abundant, relaxed and peaceful.