By Barbara @ Follow Your Own Rhythm
If you are looking to begin not just a self-care practice, but a more connected, positive, and loving relationship with yourself, then here are 5 foundational things you need to do to make it a success.
By foundational, I mean these aren’t necessarily specific self-care ideas like taking a hot bath, they are a way of being and a way of life and are things that you do ALL THE TIME that sort of carry themselves out in all moments and areas of your life.
Want to know what they are?
Check them out below!
5 MUST-FOLLOW TIPS FOR SELF-CARE
1. The FIRST and MOST important thing to do with regards to self-care is to unapologetically take time out for yourself.
It’s so easy to get caught up in our busy lives, taking care of responsibilities, tending to people’s needs, that not only do we FORGET to make time for ourselves, but we feel scared or ashamed asking for it or demanding it.
So my biggest tip is to not be afraid to tell your partner or kids that “I need 20 minutes of quiet time to take care of my needs, I’ll be upstairs.” Or “I’m going to go for a walk right now, I’ll see you in an hour.” Or to say “no” to an outing because you know it would drain you, or to decline a business dinner because it doesn’t align with your mission.
The point is to GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION to take care of your needs WITHOUT FEELING GUILTY ABOUT IT or being afraid to let people down. You don’t need to be a people pleaser especially when it’s at the cost of your own well being.
Listen to your needs and honor yourself by giving yourself the time and space you need to rejuvenate.
2. Make a conscious effort to separate yourself from people, places, and activities that make you feel bad, drain you or are negative in nature.
If there is a person who always brings you down or criticizes you, stop hanging around them. If there is a place that makes you feel nauseous or anxious, stop going there. If there is an activity or past time (such as drinking) that no longer serves you, stop doing it.
You want to ensure that you keep your vibration high by doing things you love and by being around people who lift you up and inspire you.
Once you start doing this on a regular basis, it will become really clear what you actually enjoy doing and what drains you, and it will become so much easier to say “no” in order to protect your energy.
3. Listen to your heart and follow your deeper feelings and intuition.
Your intuition is your guide in life. Tune into how you feel and listen to it. When something feels off, it’s most likely not good for you. When something feels right, it’s the way to go! Self-care is all about being true to yourself which starts with listening to your intuition.
4. Acknowledge your dreams and desires and go for them!
We all have dreams, but we might be too afraid to pursue them. A part of self-care is to acknowledge your desires because your desires are your soul's way of leading you to your true potential and all that you can be and do.
5. Treat yourself as you would your best friend or someone you love dearly.
What do you do for your friends? Also do that for yourself. How do you talk to your friends? Also talk to yourself that way. Talk to yourself in a positive and encouraging way, give yourself praise and recognition, and treat yourself with love and respect. A good rule of thumb is: if you wouldn’t say it to a friend, you shouldn’t say it to yourself. Seriously become your own best friend. When you love yourself dearly, you will always make choices that are for your Highest good (which therefore is for the Highest good of others).
I hope you will implement these foundational tips as they will make it easier to begin a healthy self-care practice!
As for the practices?
Here are 11 self-care habits I practice on a regular basis!
Which self-care tip was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
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