I always encourage my clients to ensure they are taking care of themselves. This extends beyond the usual physical health and wellness encouraged by health practitioners. Self-care includes those things we need for our emotional, mental and spiritual health. Self-care isn't selfish. It's about ensuring you have a few simple things for yourself that help keep you balanced in our hectic world.
I have spent the last week recovering from a surgical procedure and although I have taken it easy from a physical perspective, I have to acknowledge that I let my mental health wellness slide a bit. Once I stopped and acknowledged this, I was able to do those activities that are good for my mental health.
Some of the things I always recommend to my clients are:
- Meditation. It took me a LONG time to learn how to do this but now I find it easy to slip into a meditation. I recommend the Insight Timer to my clients which is a free app.
- Yoga. Sometimes all it takes for me is laying on my yoga mat in Child's Pose to start to feel that mental fog lift. Yoga doesn't need to be difficult or having to go to a class. I love to watch Yoga with Adriene videos on YouTube.
- Deep Breathing. I do a cycle of breathing in for a count of 5, holding for a count of 6 and breathing out for a count of 7. Repeating for about 2 minutes. That long exhale activates the Vagus nerve which stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for calming the body.
- Mindfulness. Stop. Breathe. Be present. Recognise what is happening in your body. Don't take your mind to what MIGHT happen. Focus on the here and now. You will be amazed and how it can change your mindset to just stop and recognise that your mind has taken you on a journey into the future when all you may need to focus on is what you need to achieve at this present moment.
Self-care is all about self-love. Taking care of yourself helps to ensure that you live the best and most authentic life you are capable of.
Peace and love Kristen
It’s all so true!