Go On, Treat Yo’self – It’s Vital For Health and Happiness

When I talk about treating yo’self, what I’m really talking about is self-care.

Self-care includes prioritizing and engaging in actions that care for our physical, mental and emotional health resulting in less stress and better overall wellbeing.  It encourages us to be more in tune with our minds and bodies and is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle that keeps us healthy, happy and glowing!

The problem is that many people (myself included) often put self-care on the long finger or ignore it altogether.  This can be due to the busy-ness of life getting in the way or putting other people ahead of ourselves.  Or it could be due to self-care being sometimes deemed as selfish and over indulgent resulting in feelings of guilt by putting ourselves first.  But it is usually the times when we don’t engage in self-care (‘I don’t have the time’, ‘I’m too busy and stressed’ etc) that we probably need it the most.

Researchers believe that self-care and the pursuit of health and happiness is far from a selfish act.  When we nurture ourselves we are likely to see improvements in many aspects of our lives including our physical, mental and emotional health, our relationships and our ability to deal with life and care for others.  When we fill ourselves up, we have more in the tank to give and be of service to others!

So how can you treat yo’self??

Self-care is very unique to each individual.  It’s not just the occasional manicure or night out with the girls.  It’s about identifying your own needs (what recharges you, fills you up) and building up a list of habits that you can partake in on a consistent basis to make you feel like your best self.

Below are some examples of self-care routines I currently practice:

• Starting my day with a morning meditation and a big detoxifying mug of warm water and lemon juice. Giving myself this 20 minute ritual of calm before my day begins sets me up for the day.
• Being active or incorporating movement every day whether it’s a walk, a yoga class, a dance class etc. I try to go for a walk at lunch time every day to get some fresh air, sunlight and break away from the computer.  It definitely recharges my batteries.
• Ending my day with writing in a gratitude journal so I go to sleep on a positive note.
• Going to the farmers market to buy organic produce every weekend and batch cooking so that I have nutritious food ready to eat during the week.
• Mindfully eating the nutritious foods I have made and treating myself to little indulgences like my favourite matcha latte’s or dairy-free ice-cream and really savouring them.
• Getting out into nature for a long walk. I’m lucky that I live near the sea and mountains so have plenty of great options for experiencing nature.
• Getting enough sleep every night. I know I need about 8 hours to feel good so that’s what I aim to get.
• Catching up with friends – whether it’s long chats on the phone, meeting up for a meal or for a walk or hike. All of it is good with me and I cherish these times!
• They say laughter is the best medicine and I’m lucky that I live with my boyfriend who makes me laugh every day.  He also gives awesome hugs too so that’s always a bonus!
• Reading a great book or getting a pile of magazines and getting lost in their content curled up on the couch or in bed preferably with a Dyptique candle burning beside me and a hot cup of tea in hand.
• Being kind to myself – forgiving myself for the occasional set back, catching the inner mean girl / bitch brain / negative self-talk and telling it to ssssshhhhhhh!  This is a hard one and something I have to work on daily
• Going for a massage, a blow-dry, a manicure, pedicure or facial or any treatment that makes you feel pampered. I probably don’t do this enough!

 

The list could go on and on.  I’m sure I’ve forgotten a few things and there are things that I’ll want to start introducing too.

Do you engage in self-care?  If so, I’d love to hear what you do and if you have any suggestions for me!