As we’re diving into 2020 with full force, I want to share a reminder that if you don’t give yourself the tender loving care you and your body needs, none of those goals will be crossed off your list. I used to think of self care as a chore, and can often get caught up in this mindset when I truly need it the most. The old saying, you have to put on your oxygen mask first before assisting others couldn’t be more true. If you’re tired and depleted, you’re not able to show up as your best self. For a little help in this department, here are a few of my favorite ways to unwind and treat my body with the love it deserves so I can show up in the best way possible.

1. Meditation

I do this on the daily using an app called Insight Timer. They have a free version that I used for a long time, and then finally decided to subscribe to their annual plan as it offers a lot of amazing courses and meditations that you can’t get for free. Even ten minutes a day has made the largest impact for me in my life. Whenever I don’t want to do it or think I don’t have the time to do it is when I know I need it the most. They say if meditate for an hour each day and if you don’t have the time, meditate for two :)

Also, if you’re a beginner know that nobody starts meditating for the first time for 30 minutes with a completely silent mind. It takes time, and you can build your way up to it. Start for just 2 minutes a day. Even if you’re scatter brained the whole time, continue the ‘practice’ as that is just what it is. I’ve meditated consistently for two years and some days I just can’t turn it off and that’s okay. There are still benefits to trying. So be kind to yourself, you’ll get the hang of it over time.

I’ve also recently experienced something called a ‘sound meditation’. It was sincerely soothing and relaxing, but it also released a lot of bad energy from my body. Check out your area to see if this is something they offer. I highly recommend attending.

2. Massage or Reiki

There are many areas of ourselves that need attention when it comes to self care, and one that is super important and often overlooked is our physical bodies. It does so much for us on the day to day, and we barely allow time to care for it. The ways in which I do this beyond my own personal routine (re: bathtub, hot yoga, etc.) is through message or reiki. I started going to Saffron + Sage here in San Diego and that place is simply amazing. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by a calm receptionist and offered one of their amazing hot teas. I always leave feel calm and relaxed which my body needs from time to time.

3. The little things

You don’t need to spend a ton of money or take a lot of time to do self care. Sometimes even the thought of caring for ourselves can create a state of panic and overwhelm that defeats the very thing we’re trying to omit. A few ideas that I practice on the daily that make a HUGE difference: drink my weight in ounces of lemon water, eat fresh organic vegetables and fruit, paint my nails, take a bubble bath, enjoy a face mask, go to bed early, journal, write gratitude’s or personal praises for why I love myself, read, watch my favorite movie, etc. Those are just a few that allow me to slow down and enjoy.

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