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I don't know about you, but this week has been emotionally draining for me. I have been more fatigued. More unfocused. More unmotivated. More undisciplined in doing the things I need to do. So, I reached out to my coach who listened, validated, then refocused my course by one simple question, "Now that we have made time to discuss all of this and the demands on you right now, what is our plan to refill our cup?" I both love and hate her. She was getting on to me about what I get onto you all each and every week. Self-care. My self-care is swirling around the toilet and down the drain or something. Who knows. So this article will a be back to basics. And it is just as much written for me, as it is you my dear readers.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care, more than a trendy term, is a conscious journey to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. It's about actively listening to your inner voice, nurturing your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Self-care is about intentionally creating habits that support your overall well-being. By prioritizing self-care, you not only reduce stress and improve your quality of life but also unlock your untapped potential, affirm your true worth, and create a more fulfilling existence. It's not just about treating yourself occasionally; it's about making self-care a consistent and intentional part of your daily routine. This past week, I slipped on that. I can admit that. The first step to healing a matter, is admitting a matter. I became so engrossed it what needed to get done, that I eliminated or did not make room for the things that I needed to get down for myself. No bueno. But definitely correctable. This article we will explore my self-care plan for the week. Perhaps you can join me or it will at least spur some ideas of some things you can do for yourself this week.
Goal # 1- Afternoon Tea
I do not anticipate that this week to come will be any lighter schedule wise than last week. In fact, I expect to have more demands on my time. However, taking time out for ourselves is a must. It is an art to be mastered. This week, when I start to feel the drain, I commit to get up, grab my favorite mug, and treat myself to a midday cup of tea. The process of making tea is in and of itself a whole mindfulness practice. We just don't often think of it as such. The action of pausing to steep the tea, the repetitive motion of dipping the tea bag. The visual of watching the tea slowly color the water a different shade. The warmth of the tea soothing our body, causing a relaxation effect on us. Then depending on the tea, different herbs promote differing effects on the body. I don't want to be too relaxed so as to get sleep (good bye chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm) but I do want help relax my muscles and relieve tension. So peppermint tea it is! I have committed to this practice Monday through Friday.
Goal # 2- Just 15 Minutes
Do I read daily? Yes. In some form or fashion I do, but it is mainly professional development type materials. It has been a while since I have treated myself to read just for fun. One of my reading friends tagged me in a post on Facebook sharing that he was starting to read the book (affiliate link) "A Piece of Cake: A Memoir," by Cupcake Brown. I will set my timer and read for 15 minutes. One because I love reading. Two because I deserve it. Three because reading is always better with friends. Hey, you and I are friends here at EnvisionCo Blog. Click the link above and place your order and join in the fun. Just as I will be checking in with my friend about my thoughts on the book, please be sure to check back in here to let me know how you are enjoying the book. I'd love to hear from you. I have committed to this practice on Tuesday and Thursday.
Goal # 3- Self-Appreciation
I am going to switch up how I journal. Generally, I grab my journal and write all the things that I am grateful for then I follow-up by writing all the things I want to manifest in my life. This is one practice that I have stuck by, so it has not gone lacking. However, it is absolutely okay to switch things up a little. So, this week, I plan on setting some time aside before bed to appreciate myself for who I am. This week, I will not wait for someone else to toot my horn for me. Am I perfect, nah. But are there things absolutely wonderful about myself that I know to be true and that others recognize too, absolutely. This week, I am going to write the good about me that I like. Since it is not out of the norm for me to write in a journal every night, I plan on including this in my nightly practice every night this week.
That is it for me. I have a specific time and idea for each activity. Because I know when I am supposed to do each activity, I can measure how well I am doing. It is not a long list of items to complete nor is it too expensive or time consuming (thus making it achievable). And because it is relevant to me, my personal style, and my life it is realistic for me. I will wrap up this experiment and check in with my coach Saturday thus making it time sensitive. These are all of the elements required to turn your wish into an actual goal. What about you? What can your self-care goals look like this week? I'd love to hear from you in the comment section.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. By simplifying your self-care routine and setting realistic, manageable goals, you make it easier to stay committed to taking care of yourself. Whether it's making a cup of tea, reading for 15 minutes, or writing self-appreciation notes, small, consistent actions can have a big impact. Prioritizing simplicity allows self-care to become a natural part of your life, reducing stress and helping you maintain balance without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity. Please remember wherever you are on this journey, do not worry about getting it perfect; just get it going. Until next time. Happy reading!
Affiliate Link to Follow: |
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you click the affiliate link for A Piece of Cake: A Memoir and finalize a purchase, EnvisionCo Blog will earn an affiliate commission. This of course is at no additional cost to you. |
"Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what's left of you." ~ Katie Reed
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