In the pursuit of actualising your dreams and life’s purpose, it can be incredibly easy to slip and lose yourself in the chaos. Hustle culture allows no space to stop grinding and start resting. That, and remote working has blurred the lines between life and work such that the two have become almost one and the same. Drowning in the white noise, climbing back into the light becomes an almost herculean task. You yearn for the time and head-space to indulge yourself with respite, bathing in a gentle love that you reserve for yourself.
Enter self-care: one that will envelop you in a warm embrace as it tells you that everything will be fine. Take this time to pause and focus on all of you. Ask & Embla shows you how.
Honour Your Physical Being
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Your body is your temple - the way you treat your body influences everything else in your life.
Honour your body and all that it does by taking care of it. Physical self-care includes giving your body the fuel it needs to run efficiently. Allow your body to rest by way of quality sleep - instead of browsing through the internet, put down your phone and pick up a book instead. It helps your mind to wind down, traverse to a world only your imagination can conjure, and get less interrupted sleep. Be sure to keep your body engaged through physical activities such as cycling and running, or yoga. Even a mere 30 minute session can give your body the much needed serotonin and dopamine.
Take charge of your health, and your body, alongside your mind, will thank you for it.
Listen And Give Space to Your Heart
Our emotions are a powerful force - at the best times, they can birth new wonders and spur you to heights you’ve never imagined you’d cross; at its worst, they can engulf you in torrential waves that threaten to swallow you whole.
Equipping yourself with healthy coping mechanisms to deal with uncomfortable emotions is crucial to prevent the latter from happening. Instead of running away from your feelings and bottling them up in a jar, regularly acknowledge and express your emotions. Journaling and noting down your feelings, can allow you to come to terms with your emotional states a little easier. Alternatively, find comfort in a partner or a close friend and let them in your tiny world, all while establishing boundaries when you need space. Surround yourself with people who love and care, and set time aside to partake in activities that nourish your soul and make you feel recharged.
If you’ve tried several methods but are still feeling out of sorts, you may want to consider seeking professional help. Having a professional therapist to guide you could be the missing puzzle piece you’ve been searching for. But remember that just like all other relationships, no therapy works with a one-size-fits-all approach. You may need to try out several therapists to find the right one for you.
Cultivate A Healthy Mind
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The world appears as it does only because of the lens through which you view it. The way you think and the things you fill your mind with shape and mould your reality. To build a safe space steeped in self-love, caring for your mental health is essential.
Make it a habit to practise self-compassion and acceptance to maintain a healthier inner dialogue. Forgive and move on from the things that are holding you back.
Take a break and indulge in something that you enjoy. It could be as simple as having a home-cooked meal or treating yourself to retail therapy! Spend an hour or two with your fur babies to get that much-needed serotonin. Immerse yourself in activities that make your heart feel light.
Be sure to keep your brain health in tip-top condition as well. Keep your mind open and sharp by doing new things like puzzles or learning a language. Engage your mind in healthy ways of expression, one that helps you focus on things outside your job. Fuel your mind just like how you would fuel your body.
Tend To Your Inner Self
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Touch your heart and wonder what your life’s purpose and the reason for your existence might be.
Spirituality is a personal practice - it can be derived from the seemingly meaningless or the meaningful. Still, it kindles a sense of sacredness all the same, even if only felt by you. It helps you develop a deeper sense of meaning, understanding, and connection with the universe. No matter what path you choose, whether that’d be meditation, praying, or attending a religious service, they all converge upon something you desire on some level - the need for connection, purpose, and happiness. Start your days with gratitude and focus, and don’t be afraid to try your hand at mediums like crystals that help you ground yourself. Once you do, you’re on your way to achieving those three things.
Connect With The World Around You
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Even though self-care revolves around the self, it will never be complete without bringing your loved ones into this journey of self-healing. Being the social creatures we are, we thrive when in the company of those who care and love us.
The best way to cultivate and maintain close relationships is by putting time and energy into building your relationships with those around you. Discover your social needs and find intersections with your loved ones’ needs, and create an optimal social life within those parameters.
Always remember to set time to ground yourself and bathe in your light. Always choose love - for yourself, for your loved ones, for life.
References:
5 Self-Care Practices For Every Area of Your Life (verywellmind.com)
Self-care: The complete guide to taking care of yourself (tonyrobbins.com)
