After feeling into some Yoga stretching and exploring this morning I realised just how achy my body felt and how the reminders of guided anything self-care oriented is so so important for our awareness.
I have no problem caring for others whatsoever but this year I've had to self-care more than ever to continue to output in the way that I can and am able to do with others. The old but relevant note of 'your oxygen mask before others' is so vital for us to not only hear but use as permission to do so.
When I can't deliver my wellbeing work for others I feel frustrated, like I'm letting people down, and as a result it doesn't feel good. When I feel strong and capable to deliver the work it feels reciprocal and balanced. In addition, it helps me to still have capacity as mum and partner too.
There has been a sticking point to going inwards and self-caring this year that I feel is important to mention as you may be feeling it to? The world has felt disconnected, divided, and painful and as a result can make us feel numb, lonely, and sad. You may have other words that relate to you, if so think of them now. How would you describe your experience?
There's two things I want to say with these words in mind.
1) In the world there has also been glimmers of light, hope, love, and kindness. We must witness this too.
2) If we go into ourselves to heal, our repair can beam out to others - the ripple effect.
I am forever learning, which is how it should be but, I must not stop self-caring and wonder why my body hurts, my mood is low, and I can't perform if I don't do so.
Ideas that I return to successfully are.
1) Yoga (with Adriene) https://www.youtube.com/@yogawithadriene Her 30-day practices guide you in such a flexible and bespoke way.
2) Aromatherapy - I blend and create with others and for others all the time but when I pause to create something for myself it is transformational. Smothering myself in oils from hair, to face, and body also soothes my nervous system too.
3) Breathing - I love to connect into my body with my breath by simply noticing it and playing with it. I put my hands at my belly often to deepen my breath.
4) A cup of tea - I meditate every time - hug the mug, observe the colour, sniff, and taste which is so restorative. I start the day with Alkalise Herbs from Yogi Tea which means that I always read a positive intention note on the tag.
5) Cider Vinegar and vegetables before food - Mixing vinegar with water to consume is so much more enjoyable and coating my gut lining with fibre ensures I don't sugar crash. Celery is my favourite easy vegetable to eat before other foods. The results are very noticeable plus, you feel full with ease.
6) Spices on my breakfast - every bowl of cereal has Turmeric, Ginger, & Cinnamon sprinkled on plus mixed seeds and kefir yoghurt.
7) 30 rainbow plants a day! It is so possible if you're aware and creative to pause and consider what else you can add to each meal or snack. My suggestion above for breakfast carries on from that base with rainbow fruits added, I add spice and veg to the rest of my meals.
8) Alkalising my body - you know how some things just stick. I once heard that Cancer cannot survive in an alkaline body. Whether that is true or not what I know to be true is that inflammation triggers so much poor health and so to cool and alkalise the body is and feels notably better for you. I love green powders and aloe vera, alongside my alkalise herbs tea.
9) Writing more - this action brings me freedom, flow, and taps into my creativity. What's not to love!
10) Reading more - I feel my brain expand with wonder and thought, and with every read it always sparks a conversation with another person bringing connection.
Things I'm trying.
1) Moving more after food - I always felt uncomfortable to move after food but portions were probably to blame. It is always felt like acid indigestion would arise.
2) Epsom salt baths - to my aromatherapy oils I've been adding salts to deepen that restorative feeling and I feel a positive difference in my sleep from doing this as it eases any restlessness.
3) Exploring exercise - I feel different, I'm at a different stage of life and so getting to know what my body appreciates will be an eye opener. Swimming keeps coming to mind.
4) Reducing sugar - I'm always mindful of it but it really really does not agree with me and feeds unhealthiness so I am trying harder every day to reduce it. Luckily we haven't often added sugar into anything but we did add honey a lot plus, there are the natural sugars in food to be mindful of and find balance with those too. The sugar we do use and it lasts us ages is Rapadura Sugar.
I hope these thoughts noted down support your journey into your own self-care in someway, and if you need permission to do so without guilt can also be found in my words here today.
Take care, self-care!
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