Hey there everyone! I hope this post finds you doing well. Me? I’m hanging in there and finding ways to boost my self-care routine and thrive. Are you still having a hard time prioritizing yourself? Come on! It’s 2022. Indeed if the last two years have taught you nothing else, you’ve learned how important it is to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Or maybe it’s taking you slightly longer to learn that particular lesson.
Do you struggle to find moments to be still and meditate throughout your day? Do you find it challenging to make time for movement and exercise? Are you still wishing to find more time to focus more on your spirituality instead of actively focusing on your spirituality? What is it going to take to get you to stop neglecting yourself? Self-care is something that we know we should do, but we rarely do it.
Well, I’m giving you permission to prioritize yourself! Don’t think of self-care as something you need to fit into your life. Designate it as the top item on your to-do list.
3-Pillars of Self-Care
When you take time out during your day to focus on what you love doing and engage in guilty pleasures, positive thinking, and acts of self-compassion, you turn mind full days into mindful days. In addition, you feel refreshed and recharged, and most importantly, you protect the 3-pillars of self-care: your mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Are you aware that there are 8-domains of health and wellness? Wow! Eight domains. However, most people only focus on one, physical health. You are a multi-dimensional being, and your self-care practice should reflect that by catering to your intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. Your self-care practice should be meaningful and intentional. And the time to start is now!
How Can I Make my Self-Care Routine Intentional?
I’m glad you asked! First, set an intention, something that your heart desires related to self-care. What are some things that are most important to you, some guiding principles for your self-care? Think about your self-care routine, plan accordingly, and commit to it. Be very specific about what you want. You might say, “I’m going to do yoga.” That’s great, but do you have a studio in mind, or are you going to watch YouTube videos? Do you plan on practicing once a week or three times a week? You get the idea. Clarify your statement by saying, “I’m going to attend an online yoga class three times a week.”
The more specific your intention, the more detailed your plan, the more likely you will commit to the routine. It might be helpful to set an intention for the month focusing on the 3-pillars throughout the week.
For example, you might set an intention to be more mindful, present, and aware throughout the upcoming month. If you’re like me, you might like inspiring and motivational quotes. Here is an excellent quote on mindfulness from Eckhart Tolle,
“Wherever you are, be there totally.” Let this quote be your inspiration throughout the month.
Each week, focus on something from each of the 3-pillars that will help you be more mindful, present, and aware. For example:
1. Mind
Sharpen your EIQ emotional intelligence. Develop a healthy relationship with those dark emotions, the ones that eat away at you. Be still and tune in. However, you don’t want to overthink.
2. Body
Get deep into sleep—approximately 70 million adults in the US struggle with sleep or wakefulness disorders. Yet many people sacrifice the quality of sleep and focus mainly on quantity. Nonetheless, quantity and quality are equally important.
You might also try mindful or intuitive eating, eating with awareness. Intuitive eating includes mindful eating, but it’s also about repairing your relationship with food. Mindful eating requires you to be nonjudgmental about your eating habits.
3. Soul
Practice meditation, pray or spend some time in nature—balance mindful movements with moments of stillness and quiet. Seek guidance and insight from a higher power.
Be sure to monitor how well you’re doing by journaling about your self-care. But remember to reflect on your efforts with self-compassion. DO NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP if something doesn’t go as planned! Feel your feelings and move on! Your goal is to create a happier, healthier life! Expect and reflect on greatness.
There you have it!
Well, I hope I’ve inspired you to be intentional about making your self-care routine a non-negotiable priority. Use these tips to set intentions, create action lists, and commit to yourself. Self-care is not selfish! It’s about transformation, self-preservation, and self-compassion. When you set a precedence for self-care, you feel inspired, self-confident, and more productive.
Self-care focused on the 3-pillars of mind, body, and soul is the key to loving your whole self wholeheartedly. Be good to yourself! You’re worth it.
Talk to me!
What are some ways you prioritize self-care? I’d love to hear from you!
Be sure to listen to my podcast Psychologically Speaking, available wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.
A podcast for anyone interested in understanding how psychology applies to everyday life!
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I would love to speak with you about any challenges you might be facing, goals or intentions you would like to set, or how you can make health and wellness a top priority in your life. Click here to schedule a complimentary 35-minute consultation.
