Show Up for Yourself Everyday
What is self-care?
Self-care can be defined as taking care of your well-being by doing restorative activity. Simple self-care practices means taking action to preserve and improve your health and happiness, and to reduce stress in your life.
How?
Wake up with gratitude - the universe (G-d) has faith in you. I thank G-d every morning for a new day, new opportunities, and new beginnings the second I open my eyes. This is a wonderful way to intentionally set your day with a vision of trust that you’ve got this! The day is waiting for your presence. The day is gifted to you - and then acknowledge that ‘This is going to be a great day!’
Move - Our body is meant to move. After a night in stillness (hopefully a sound sleep) a few minutes (10 is great) of stretching and intentional breathing in your bed, bedroom, or washroom is a healthy and invigorating way to wake up your body and get your juices flowing.
Move right away after waking up. It might take a few days to get into the groove - fake it till you make it! Creating new habits takes discipline and time.
Dry Brush - Brushing our body with a natural bristle brush is a great way to stimulate and move your lymphatic fluid. Our lymphatic system is part of our immune system - it protects us from invaders and removes cellular waste. Strokes should be light and aimed towards the heart. Start with your feet working up the legs towards the upper part of your body. It’s recommended to dry brush before a shower in the morning. Or you can shower later - but dry brushing in the morning is a great way to wake up your body and enhance circulation.
Eat - Nurture and nourish with nature. Give your body a healthy burst of nutrition when the body is empty after a night of intermittent fasting (12-14 hours of no eating through the night).
These nutrients will fuel and energize you. Choose a light breakfast: protein shake, fruit smoothie, oatmeal… an easily digestible breakfast keeps our energy up as we start our day in full gear. And then… for the rest of your day choose your meals wisely: lots of veggies!
Go Outside - Spend time in nature. You will feel more relaxed, your concentration will improve, your vitamin D levels will rise, and you’ll connect with the earth. The book Your Brain On Nature by Eva Selhub MD and Alan Logan MD explains how studies show that natural environments can have benefits for human health. 20 minutes outdoors in nature improves vitality, emotional strength, and living with enthusiasm. Going outside is proven to increase your passion for life. Sun, clouds, rain or snow - dress for the occasion and get up and GO!
Self-care is so personal and there are so many ways to care for ourselves. Remember, self-care is health-care!
Honor yourself with love - you deserve it!
xo Genia