Another Valentine's Day is upon us. Whether you're linked up to an SO or technically single, this amorous, candy coated holiday is a great time to reflect on love, relationships, and to set some new intentions.
Every year I use the energy of this time to take a good, hard look at how I care for myself and others, but mostly myself. I can't give from an empty cup! Even if you fall under “technically single,” remember: you are always in a relationship with yourself. Now is the time to check in on your status. Is it a good relationship or has it gone sour? What message are your habits sending home to that human shell of yours? Would you allow your SO to treat you the way you treat yourself? Most of us kind of think of self care as another TO DO that we'll eventually get around to. We have to consciously make ourselves a priority. Even if you are among the few who already treat themselves like gold and have a good relationship with themselves, I am a firm believer in continuous quality improvement. There's always room for upgrades.
Here's where most of us are getting it wrong: we think self care has to be a long drawn out ritual. Nobody has time for that every day! But, I've found some pretty simple ways to show myself some love daily by being more intentional in little, everyday habits. I call it making everything into a moment. All you really have to do is be a little more mindful about how you practice self care tasks that you already do every day. Doing this just requires more of your attention, not more of your time. That's the difference.
All you really have to do
is be a little more mindful about how
you practice self care tasks that
you already do every day.
To get your creative juices flowing, let me give you a for instance of the type of behavior shifts I'm talking about. I'm going to use a few things I implemented into my bath time self care practice as an example. We all already have to bathe every day, right? More often than not, we rush through our bath routine unconsciously, just to get to the next task for the day, but this is a great time to show our body some love! First, really consciously pick a scent that you connect to for your soap or body wash. Something that conjures nostalgia or is just a real aromatherapy treat for you, not just the cheapest soap. Use a loofah and not just a wash cloth or your hands! Studies show the sensation of exfoliating releases dopamine and serotonin, so just that simple switch will unconsciously activate a happy neural pathway. Use a face wash that really wakes your tired skin up, like Noxzema. I recently rediscovered this old fave on a hunt for something to help me perk up in the morning. The menthol is super stimulating and gives my skin a tingle I'm obsessed with. You can use a scalp massager to lather your shampoo. When you get out, instead of just slapping on lotion, use it as an opportunity to practice self massage. Really get in there; or use it as a time to work in a good stretch, or both! I personally love to refrigerate all of my skincare. It feels so much more rejuvenating cold! Really bring your attention to these little details and create moments. Be mindful of the sensations you feel. Your body will thank you!
There are a lot of different facets of showing yourself some love and practicing self care. Maybe the bath time routine doesn't resonate with you. The important thing to take away here is the mindset. Make as many everyday habits into as many mini special moments for yourself as humanly possible.
Much Light & Love,
Gawa