Self-care seems to be one of the hardest practices for trauma survivors. Most women claim that they don't have time, or that they feel guilty "indulging" in self-care. They are burnt out, tired and hardly recognize who they see when they look in the mirror. Can you relate?
Somewhere along the way self-care became a luxury associated with spas and massage. This trend attached monetary value to the concept of self-care making it upper-class, status driven and out of reach. When I ask my clients what their self-care routine looks like I often get these sorts of responses:
"HA, self-care... what's that?"
"You mean take time for myself? What a concept!"
"My family comes first."
"I don't have the time or money for that."
Sound familiar?
The monetary and commercially driven standards of self-care often are depicted with white linen, face masks, luxurious facials and massages... all of which must be purchased at a hefty price. The beauty industry has once again taken a health ideal and turned it into a societal standard of status, looks and acceptance.
I've often heard women say that if they see a woman who is well-rested and happy with kids that they must be a bad mother, as if to be a mother means you MUST exhaust yourself in all ways and never take time for yourself. This rat race mentality can be sourced back to the American dream mentality that imbedded itself into our culture long ago, but really it's just another way that the beauty industry can drive women to purchase more and chase impossible standards.
Self-care is the individual practice of health management without the help of professional medicine. This may include massage and face masks for SOME... but those often are surface level practices that don't have a lasting impact.
Below are 5 SIMPLE & FREE practices you can engage in to prioritize self-care so you can be the best possible version of you. You will be healthier, happier and able to give more to the people and things in your life that matter.
5 SIMPLE & FREE Self-Care Practices
Exercise
Prioritize Sleep
Eat to Nourish/Hydrate
Listen to Pain and Fatigue
Slow down
Wait, this is self-care? YEA! How many of these are you nailing on a daily basis?
The average woman will tell you that she is consistently nailing 1 out of the 5. That's simply not enough. No wonder most women complain of fatigue!
If you can nail these 5 habits on a daily basis, you will have a pretty good self-care routine in place to buffer stress and feel refreshed. These will create consistency in your energy and moods, while allowing you to feel strong and more in touch with your body. You don't need fancy spas or endless hours to take care of yourself.
Consistency is key!
Move more daily.
Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep.
Minimize screen time 1-2 hours before sleeping.
Avoid caffeine after 1pm.
Aim to get a minimum of 60 ounces of water a day.
Get outdoors.
If you're tired learn to rest.
Need a recovery day from the gym? Take it.
Stretch.
Eat your fruits and veggies.
Eat to nourish with whole foods.
Surround yourself with positive people.
Stop multi-tasking.
Take time to be present.
Stop overbooking your schedule.
Simple enough right? Imagine you were able to do 5 of these things each day for a year.
When I ask women this they say, their life would definitely feel less stressful, more full and happier. SO... the time is now. Pick 5 habits and commit to them for 30 days. Notice how your life improves!
Keep your eyes posted for our FREE Self-care challenge coming up soon! We will ask you to choose 5 habits and repeat them daily for a full month. The results will be long lasting change and more energy/headspace to fill your life with the things that matter most!
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