I think about self-care pretty often. It’s a big part of my whole wellness shtick after all. And I’m always looking for ways to share how normal self-care can be.
Vacays and spa days are always great. Those are bigger ticket luxury items though and tend to be reserved for special occasions. But the way life is set up, we need self-care daily.
That’s why I want to share more ordinary ways you can nourish yourself – ways you might miss if you aren’t mindful. Here are some ideas from my own life you should try:
1. Don’t clean your plate.
I know this goes against conventional wisdom. Maybe you believe it’s rude or ungrateful to waste food. Consider this though. You don’t have to force yourself to finish anything you don’t enjoy. Eating is about fueling your body, yes. But, it’s also about enjoyment. If you don’t like something, are you truly able to give thanks for it? I’m not suggesting we waste or not appreciate what we have. I’m simply saying that adulting means doing a lot of things we don’t want to do. Choking down unappetizing food should not be one of them.
2. Shave your legs.
Sorry, fellas. This second idea is for the ladies out there. You might not think about it as self-care, but shaving your legs can definitely be that. Maybe your normal routine is to rush through it in the shower. Maybe it’s just another thing to cross off your list. But, what if you slow down the process? Take a bubble bath, indulge in time, and put on some of your favorite lotion or oil after. Smooth legs feel amazing and it’s such a simple way to nourish your body. Next time, try making it an experience rather than a chore and notice the difference.
3. Make a playlist.
Another way to engage the senses in ordinary self-care is through music. I got the playlist idea from fellow therapists and self-care influencers. Stefanie Flores and Davia Roberts recommend creating playlists depending on your mood. I love it because music is such a powerful reset. I have a few lists now for how I’m feeling. It’s a way to foster my creative, expressive side, as well as, honor whatever vibe I have on a given day.
4. Learn something new.
Another side of myself I like to nurture is my inner (or perhaps not so inner) nerd. Intellectual wellness is often a neglected component of overall wellness. It’s important to continually learn and grow. Otherwise, we get bored. That’s why recently I registered for an 8-week online workshop for empaths and sensitive souls. It serves a practical need because my profession requires continuing education. It’s also been great for expanding my mind. When was the last time you read or learned something new?
5. Say ‘yes’ to you.
A final point I’ll mention for how you can practice ordinary self-care is by listening to your gut and trusting its wisdom. I made a tough decision last week related to my business. All the warning signs were waving that something wasn’t right and I wasn’t going to be happy if I proceeded. It would’ve been easy to move forward anyway so as to not disappoint someone. Instead, I decided that as uncomfortable as it was to say ‘no’, it meant I was saying ‘yes’ to what felt right for me. That made it worth it.
Self-care is any deliberate choice you make to nourish yourself and restore your internal balance. Maybe it’s sitting in silence. It could be taking a different route somewhere to create a mini-adventure for yourself. Maybe it’s going to the good grocery store that has nicer aesthetics and shorter lines. That’s the beauty of ordinary self-care. It can really be anything as long as it’s done with mindful intention.
What about you? What are you doing in your life that is self-care without even realizing it?