For the modern woman of 2020, self-care is an essential aspect of wellbeing. This is especially so when you are often feeling busy, stressed, and always last on your own to-do list. When practised with thoughtful intention, self-care can be the antidote to your often-chaotic modern lifestyle, helping you to banish that feeling of endlessly spinning your wheels and getting nowhere with your ever-growing to-do list. This article will guide you to practices that help you reclaim your precious time, energy, and wellbeing.

In a nutshell, the term self-care means something that you do to take care of yourself, whether that be emotionally, physically, spiritually, socially or in some other way that is meaningful to you. It is an especially important activity because of the way it allows you to empower yourself, harness your own energy and decrease stress levels and unhappiness. Adding thoughtfulness and intention to the process of self-care activities is what really allows you to experience the increased joy and wellbeing that we are all striving for. Let's delve into some of the beautiful ways that you can start practising self-care in your life.

Breath

Your breath is a very powerful tool for relaxation, stress reduction and wellbeing. In fact, practicing a simple diaphragmatic belly breath is the only known way to immediately switch your nervous system from fight or flight mode, to rest and relaxation mode.

The best thing about using your breath as a self-care tool is that you can do it anywhere, and it is completely free. At your desk, on your couch, out to lunch. It doesn't matter where you are; you always have the ability to pause and take a deep nourishing breath.

A simple introduction to using the breath for self-care is to practice a round of 10 deep belly breathes when you get into bed at night. Start by placing your hands on your abdomen, and then breathing deep into your belly. Your hands should move, and this tells you that you are breathing correctly. Simply breath in for the count of 4, hold for the count of 2, breath out for the count of 4, and hold for the count of 2. Repeat this cycle 10 times to lower your stress and prepare your body for a delicious sleep.

Journaling

Writing is a powerful way to communicate and can allow you to tap into your thoughts and identify and release fears and stressors, whilst also giving you the space and time needed to understand yourself better.

You can practice journal writing with prompts, or you can write a stream of consciousness. The key is to do what feels right for you.

Another beautiful way to begin journal writing is to keep a daily gratitude journal. Each night write down 1 to 3 things that you've been really grateful for that day. They can be small or large things. This practice allows you to adopt a grateful outlook on life, which over time, really improves your happiness and joy. You'll also have an amazing journal to read that will lift your spirits any time you need it.

Massage

Self-massage or having a professional massage both have incredible benefits to your wellbeing. Your muscles carry a lot of tension and stress, and so regular massage helps to release this. Ailments such as muscular pain, headaches, and digestive upsets can also be significantly relieved by physical touch. Creating a sense of care and connection in a relaxed and safe environment is such a beautiful way to really nourish yourself.

Daily Movement

This is such a powerful tool for the human body, as it craves gentle movement and the chance to be flexible and free. You can do any type of physical movement you enjoy, from cardio workouts to walking, barre classes, dancing, gentle yoga or tai chi. Choose something that you love to do, and it will not feel like a chore.

Movement is so beneficial for many reasons. Here are the main ones:

Increases mood through the boosting of endorphins
Increases energy due to an increase in blood flow and oxygen through the body
Helps improve sleep and lower stress levels
Boosts your immune system
Helps you to manage your weight

Connection to nature

As human beings, we are naturally connected to nature, but we often live most of our lives indoors. You may notice that when you spend a lot of time indoors, you feel a disconnect and a creeping up of stress and overwhelm.

Getting outside and putting your bare feet on the earth helps to regenerate your body's energy and connect you back to the natural world. From earth we come, and it is to earth we look for healing and nourishment. Even something as simple as taking the time to admire a beautiful flower mindfully or a gorgeous autumn leaf can do wonders for your mood and energy.

Sunlight on your skin is also a supremely healing tool. It is known to lift moods, fight stress, and boost Vitamin D levels among other amazing benefits. 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight a day is enough to reap the rewards.

Hydrotherapy

Water is naturally healing to the human body, especially when it is something as delicious as a healing Epsom salts foot soak, or a warm bath with lavender oil, Epsom salts and candles. These practices allow stress to melt away and can bring a great sense of peace and relaxation to your body.

Drinking pure filtered water every day is also a simple yet powerful self-care tool. Always keep a water bottle close by you and be sure to sip on it throughout your day. A beautiful herbal tea at night is also hydrating, whilst being a loving way to relax and wind down for the evening.

In conclusion, may you see that self-care isn't about taking a spa day or having weekly facials, but more about small daily acts of care that you can do for yourself at home. It's about setting the intention to make yourself important in your life and practicing this in ways that are meaningful for you. Whether it be writing a daily gratitude list, practicing bedtime yoga, or getting out into nature every day, I hope that you find something that makes your soul happy and rejuvenates you in mind, body and spirit. Your wellbeing relies on these small moments of nourishment, and you deserve it!

If you would like some guidance on integrating self-care practices into your life, please book a discovery call to find out how we can best work together.

Self-care for The Modern Woman