Why tiny self-care rituals are more important than you think
What comes to mind when you hear the words self-care or even self-care ritual? From my work with women as well as the wider conversations I’ve had, I have found that many associate these words with momentary choices, such as extravagant away days at spas or activities that require forward thinking and usually those one would think twice about. Some women I've worked with have even gone so far as to express that self-care can feel quite indulgent on an already busy day.
However, I’m here to advocate that self-care and self-care rituals can be far from that and instead are simple small additions to your ordinary day to enable you to pause and celebrate you. When you chose to spend a tiny bit of time nourishing your body, mind and soul, you are affirming to your mind that you are choosing you. You are telling the universe that you are choosing you. You are quite literally rewiring your brain.
What is a Self-Care Ritual?
Self-Care Rituals are mindful adjustments to everyday actions, to enrich you. Nourishing your mind, body and soul to create meaningful moments of joy. And as you feel enriched, you will be far more enriching for others around you.
Do you need self-care rituals?
Would you describe yourself as experiencing feelings of low mood? Do feelings of overwhelm, irritability and fatigue sound familiar for you? Maybe some tasks never get done and/or you cannot find the time to catch up with your nearest and dearest?
We all have periods in life when we feel more challenged than other times, so some self-care rituals in place can enable us to live a life that is more balanced and calm.
Discover your personal self-care rituals
I’m a great believer in finding your own personalised self-care rituals. What aligns with one, does not align with everyone. And as you gradually collect self-care rituals that align with you and implement these regularly, they will become habitual, improving self-love and harmony.
Here are five ideas to get you started…
1. Nature connectivity – consciously spending time outdoors, if possible in green or blue space. Taking the time to take a gentle walk or even a light jog is a great way to get your body moving and being in green or blue space can help relax your nervous system. Maybe you prefer an early walk or later during the day?
2. Meal Planning – having an idea about what you’d like to eat in advance not only saves time and stress but also supports you to make more nutritious food choices. I also like to keep healthy snacks at hand, such as trail mixes; including fruits, nuts and granolas.
3. Journaling – a brilliant tool to get to know you. There are many approaches to journaling and regular journaling can be as little as three minutes per day. You will find more articles about journaling to help you get started on my website, as well as the opportunity to book your one-to-one journaling session with me.
4. Self-Massage – have you ever considered that your routine of moisturiser application is an act of self-massage? What is your go-to moisturiser? Would you use herbal oils or creams with better ingredients instead? Would you consciously apply according to practices such as face yoga or acupressure? Why don't you get to know some acupressure points so that you can make the most of your daily moisturiser routine?
5. Meditation and yoga – committing to a regular practice of meditation doesn’t have to mean attending classes, etc, having a gentle stretch with deep breathing exercises or a few minutes in a state of body scan is a great place to start.
I hope you found some of my self-care rituals useful. I’d love to know your go to self-care routines, so do drop me a message with them!
Take care and remember – those tiny self-care rituals are more important than you think!
Salma
