USYour Cart is Empty
AU 5 Simple Ways to Inject a Little Self-Care and Love into Your Day
This is a guest post written by Daniella Elias, founder of teacup and self-care brand, Amity Created . Daniella is a passionate self-care advocate, with a background in Sociology and Education. When she's not designing or sipping on Earl Grey, she's teaching others about feeling comfortable and worthy in taking time out for themselves. You can find Daniella on Instagram @thedaniellaelias or @amitycreated. You can also check out her gorgeous collection at www.amitycreated.com
Self-care is a work in progress.
I once had someone say that I seem to have it all figured out when it comes to self-care, and it really made me stop to reflect, does anyone actually have self-care figured out?
I like to think of it as a constant work-in-progress. In fact, let’s call it a journey.
It’s a journey in educating ourselves that taking time out is actually ok.
It’s a journey within, to alter the mindset that links time out to guilt.
Once we actually seem to get it all down pat, it becomes a whole new journey to remind ourselves to inject it consistently.
Taking time out from the chaos of our lives, not only creates clarity but allows us to re-balance.
When I was working full-time as a high school teacher and juggling it with my business, I pushed my body too far. No matter what red flags were shown or felt, they were ignored and pushed down.
It lead to a serious roller coaster of emotion, health issues, increased anxiety and a very negative inner voice.
I felt an immense amount of guilt about taking time out because I always felt like there was something or someone that required my attention.
What I failed to realise at the time, was that because my inner well was so empty, I wasn’t actually doing my job or helping anyone at the best of my ability.
Eventually, I recognised that doing good things for me and saying nice things to myself, completely changed my state and allowed me to become more in control of my life.
From that point on, I started to include ‘5 things for me’ into my week and let me tell you, it was life-altering.
A mix of self-care (external) and self-love (internal), will create a balanced being.
When you show yourself kindness, both externally through acts of self-care, to internal self-love, the chaos of life begins to feel manageable and a lot less overwhelming.
It also allows us to enjoy this life that we have been blessed with, rather than running through at 100 km’s an hour and not stopping to take it all in.
Here are the top 5 rituals I recommend trying if you want to start injecting a little more self-care and self-love into your life.
1. Verbalise affirmations every day
We need to steer our dialogue to better serve us. When we verbalise affirmations, it helps to build upon our own self-worth.
When you practice your ‘I Am’ affirmations daily, you will begin to hold yourself in a different way.
“I am worthy, I am blessed, I am loved, I am intelligent…”
Create affirmations that make you feel positive, empowered and grateful.
2. Download your thoughts
Journalling can be done in so many ways. One of my favourites is the ‘emptying method’ - done when you have a lot on your mind or even just before bed.
Grab a pad and pen and write anything and everything that is on your mind. There doesn’t need to be structure to what you are writing. You’re just emptying everything that pops into your mind.
You will find that your fears, negative thoughts and limiting beliefs will leave your front of mind completely when they are on the paper. Once you are done, close the journal and don’t look back!
3. Take a breather
Close your eyes, sit or lay in a quiet space and just focus on your breathing. Mentally counting your breaths is one of the simplest ways to settle your mind.
Big deep breaths, inhaling the positive, exhaling the negative.
4. Mindfully sip on a cup of tea
So often we make a cup of tea and then find it a few hours later, somewhere random and completely cold. Can you relate?
Tea is made to be enjoyed.
Next time you make a cup of tea, sip in silence, enjoy the flavors, the aromas and feel gratitude for that quiet moment to break up your day.
5. Fuel your body
Nourish your body with food and liquid that is going to have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing.
I’m talking about lots of fruits, vegetables, and healthy treats. Also, water should be your most consumed liquid of choice!
Not sure where to begin? Nutritionist, Sami Bloom recently shared 5 tasty tips for preparing quick and healthy meals.
Remember, in order to serve those around us in the best possible way, we have to serve ourselves first!