Real self care is often purpose based. On a daily basis we are hounded by adverts and promoters to indulge in our self care, love ourselves and treat ourselves. And then we give away our hard earned money to engage in self care in many shapes and forms, that only really scratches the surface externally. Real self care is totally different and often doesn’t cost you a thing. With real self care you will find that you will have more time and money and best of all- more peace of mind.
Relaxation and stress removals are part of self care, however you will benefit from them further if you identify why you feel you need them. For instance, massages can relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation and remove toxins from the body-so actually they are quite beneficial. Facials can help ease with facial water retention and you regain that little glow and a fresh confidence boost. Manicures are nice to have and so are nice nails. Everyone deserves a treat now and again and to enjoy themselves, however, if you are not eating or sleeping well, or drinking enough water, things like facials and manicures can be a short term fix.
Like anything in life from the holistic perspective, when you wish to change something or see different results, there are often a few components to re-set. If you think why you are doing something, how it can help your mind or body, you are then paying greater attention to what you really need, building stronger roots, and living life from a more purpose based approach. Feeling good can come from different factors, but wouldn’t it be nice to feel good from a deeper perspective?
That being said, let’s look at examples of real self care:
- Setting Boundaries. When you identify what you will and won’t accept and what does and doesn’t make you feel good, you will then have boundaries in place to allow only what adds value and have preventative measures in place for what you do not feel adds value. Boundaries are a great self- care tool. There is nothing more satisfying than employing boundaries as a way to care and protect for yourself.
- Repositioning or removing things that no longer serve a positive purpose in your life. Is someone repeatedly doing something even if you have communicated it doesn’t help you to feel good? Do you feel swamped and dragged down or unappreciated? You choose how people respond to you, not the other way around. Taking control does not have to be loud, drastic or insensitive. Calmly and kindly make a decision that is right for you, and you will feel amazed how your life improves for the better.
- Gardening. A great hobby for the mind as it connects one to nature, enables focus, has been proven to mentally improve health and well being.
- Having a creative outlet particular to you. This can be very satisfying, and could be cooking, knitting, drawing, design, writing…any of these help to channel inner emotions, generate focus and you feel wonderful when you have achieved the final result.
- Exercise. An obvious one but often overlooked. Exercise makes you feel good, focus on the moment, releases endorphins and helps the body to stay healthy, and you are also planting seeds for your health in the future by taking the time to tend to your body.
- Using affirmations to encourage positive self talk and remove subconscious negative beliefs about yourself. Life experiences can program the subconscious mind with limiting or untrue beliefs about yourself. Affirmations can help create a different impression on the subconscious mind, when said with FEELING, not said as chore.
- Thinking independently. When you think for yourself rather than do what you have become a creature of habit of, or follow what seems to be the norm, life becomes a lot more rich and exciting. Doing your own research, going to different shops other than supermarkets that have tastier but cheaper produce, identifying marketing tactics- you will be in more control of what you spend your finances on, content and information you consume, and actually be able to identify what is really important to you, as opposed to unconsciously making choices that will not serve you.
Once you realise that happiness can actually at times cost nothing, your life will change for the better. You will value and appreciate the small things and when you do decide to treat yourself, you will feel like you really have earned it and feel secure that you have other self care tools in place that can create stronger and longer lasting foundations for your life.
Natural Intentions 