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10 Self-Care Practices for Optimal Health
March 16, 2017
Consistent self-care is vital to your physical and emotional well-being. Â All too often we forget to engage in the things that bring us joy, peace, laughter, or calm. Â Life gets busy and we make us excuses like, "I'm too tired", or "I have to pick up the kids" and our self-care gets pushed to the side again and again. Â It's a slippery slope to poor eating, sleeping, and relational patterns, so here are a few suggestions to help you establish a self-care plan, or get back on track.Â
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1: Take a Bath. Â After the kids are in bed, and your hubby is snoring, draw a bath with some essential oils. Â Light a candle, pour in some bubble bath, and relax. Â It doesn't have to be for long; even 10 minutes can be enough to calm your nervous system and mind. Â
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2: Read a Book. Â Have you been meaning to read that book on your bedside table for months now, but haven't gotten around to it? Â Even reading just a few pages can let you escape into another reality and lull you into relaxation and maybe even sleep! Â Or at lease a nap. Â
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3: Meditate.  Meditation has boundless benefits.  From better emotional regulation to improved sleep, meditation can change you life in just a few minutes at day.  Many people are intimidated just by the thought of meditation, but once you learn a few tools to help you stay in the moment, the practice feels incredible.  There are a few Apps out there to help you along the way if you get stuck.  Try Headspace, or Oprah and Deepak Chopra's Meditation series online. Â
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4: Â Hit the Gym. Â Get those endorphins going and increase your serotonin! Â Exercise releases much wanted neurochemicals that keep us feeling happy, balanced and attuned to our life. Â It's also great for the heart and brain! Start with 15 or 20 minutes and increase as you feel more confident. Â
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5: Go Outside. Â Whether you take a walk around the block, go for a run, take a boat ride or simply stop to smell the roses, being in nature is one of the best ways to de-stress. Â
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6: Â Enjoy a Favourite Meal. Â Let food be thy medicine. Â Sometimes all it takes to feel a bit better is to eat something we love. Â For me, it's eggs benedict and pancakes. Â
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7: Do Yoga. Â Similar to meditation, yoga is a well-spring of goodness for your brain and body. Â Yoga teaches us to tolerate discomfort and eventually find peace with it. Â This directly translates to everyday life. Â If you can't make it to a yoga class, learn a sun salutation or a few simple poses to open your heart and stretch out your body. Â
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8: Â Spend Time with a Friend. This might seem too easy, but when we're not feeling so great, we tend to turtle and isolate. Â Reach out to a good friend, someone you trust, and grab a coffee or lunch and chat. Â Connecting with the people we love feels good. Â
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9: Â Listen to Music. Â Turn on your favourite band and float away for a while. Â Music can be relaxing or energizing, whichever way you look at it. Either way, it can help boost our mood and perspective. Â
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10: Â Have (safe) Sex. Â Like exercise, sex releases happy brain chemicals. Â Maybe you try something new with your partner, or get back in the saddle with your longtime spouse. Orgasms elicit great relaxation and even act as a pain reliever. Â
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Try to commit to one self-care act a day. Â After a week, check in and see if you notice a difference in how you feel. Â Â Â
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