Self-Care 101

   Our society today is fast-paced life. When work starts piling up we allow self-care slip by. We order take out, work late, stop working out and suffer. 

  When we stop taking care of our self we stuffer, and others stuffer with us. When we ignore our basic needs we're prone to think and act violently. If we don't care for our basic needs, we're unable to care of others. For example, you've heard of hangry right? Where you are hungry and angry at the same time. If you are hangry other people get your leftovers. If you don't care for your basic needs not practicing self-kindness, you probably not acting kind to others. How we treat our selves is how we treat others. Be kind to yourself first, then you will be kind to others. 

   Self-care is not merely about the bubble baths, face masks, pedicures, or massages. Though sometimes it is. Though a bubble bath might be exactly what you need. Giving ourself what we need can be difficult. Practicing self-care involves putting your phone away, stop mindless scrolling and take the bubble bath that you need. 

  Self-care is tough. It requires practice, discipline, and energy. If your self-care is not what you envision, that's okay. Beating yourself up is not okay. On social media, we see the elaborate posts from friends with their candles, hammocks, soaps, and facials, etc.  To be honest, some of us don't have time and we beat ourself up for not having done what others have the time for. Beating yourself up leads to suffering. Self-care is about congratulating yourself for the good you did today instead of beating yourself up for the good you didn't. Congratulate yourself for the little things. Did you shower today? Great. If you didn't, that's ok too. 

  There are many ways to incorporate self-care into your life. If you feel, sad, exhausted, stressed, anxious, or lonely. Try practicing some of the following practices. 

-Practice saying NO. It's okay to say no. When you say no, you say yes to yourself. 
-Journal
-Practice gratitude
-In your journal each day, write down three reasons why you love yourself
-Leave work early go to yoga
-Mediate 
-Go for a walk 
-Set your phone aside 
- Eat your favorite meal 
-Read a self-help book 
-Make your own beauty product
-Buy yourself presents occasionally 
-Curl up and watch your favorite show
-Congratulate yourself for the little things 

These are some way's I practice self-care. How do you practice self-care? 

May we all slow down enough to see the way things really are. - Judith Hanson Lasater 

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