Time as we know it is speeding up, there’s a constant influx of notifications, updates, upgrades and changes going on around us, it’s no wonder the call to unplug is greater than ever before.
To keep up we must slow down.
To keep our energy high we must recharge.
To keep going we have to pause.
Just like trees, they extend their roots down into the earth for nourishment so they can reach their branches up to the sky, also for nourishment.
As above so below, as within so without.
Hitting the pause button occasionally is a vital part of being human in todays world.
Taking time out and changing your surroundings is food for the soul.
Gifting yourself time for you, recharges your heart.
It’s common knowledge that if we are constantly giving to others we won’t have anything left to give to ourselves. Same goes for if we’re constantly at the whim of living life at the speed of light, we don’t get to enjoy the journey – or have the pleasure of stopping to smell the roses along the way.
Self-care isn’t selfish.
Self-care is often labelled as selfish, lazy or a luxury only reserved only for the privileged, the retired, the rich or the influencer who gets paid to promote self-care as if it’s their full time job.
Self-care is about replenishing your inner resources, filling your joy cup and caring for your mental health in positive ways. It’s not time consuming, being indulgent or a waste of money.
The seven pillars of self-care as taught by The Blissful Mind are Mental, Emotional, Physical, Environmental, Spiritual, Recreational and Social. The idea being that you don’t restrict yourself to just one or two of these a day, instead you create a well-balanced healthy routine that include each of these daily.
Here’s seven ways you can easily include some self-care into the rhythm and flow of your day which covers the seven pillars shared above.
- Mental: Practice mindfulness through journaling to empty out the chitta vritti / mind chatter. Take intentional breaks from the screen to clear your head of outside influences.
- Emotional: Caring for your emotional wellbeing can mean listening to your favourite music, connecting with positive affirmations or setting some healthy boundaries to protect your sensitive heart.
- Physical: Ensuring you have a healthy balance of rest, nourishment and movement. Plus staying hydrated, taking your vitamins, getting enough sleep and moving outside of your comfort zone. E.g. Trying a new movement / fitness class.
- Environmental: Declutter, rearrange your work and living spaces so energy can flow easily and freely. Take yourself for a walk outside and take in the natural beauty of the world around you.
- Spiritual: Activities or practices that offer a greater sense of purpose or meaning beyond your ego self. Connect with a community who has the same values as you or volunteer for a local organisation to give back to your community.
- Recreational: Enjoy and explore your hobbies! Go hiking, learn to sew, take a life drawing class, give yourself permission to do nothing and switch up your daily routine to keep life interesting.
- Social: Reach out to friends, connect and build meaningful relationships with people who have a common interest. This could mean going on a retreat to meet likeminded individuals! Join us in February 2025 in the lush hinterland of Byron Bay, visit the retreat page here for full details.
Ultimately self-care isn’t selfish and it looks different for everyone.
Let’s make a pact to prioritise our health and wellbeing with a self-care practice of loving ourselves in all the right ways for longevity and continued vitality and perhaps we’ll inspire others to do the same. Are you in?
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