Self-Care Self-Love in February is Almost a Given

We’ve all heard this over and over. Love yourself. Self-care-self-love…that could mean a lot of things, as everyone is so different, yet we are all the same. I truly believe that everyone wants and needs love. It starts with our ‘self.’

Our families and our friends can bring us great joy. They can also drain us if we allow it. You have the power and the control to shape your life. Grab the reins and guide yourself in a new direction if you know this will help you. Stay focused. Stay determined. Be courageous.

You Are in the Driver’s Seat

It’s easy to think that ‘others’ are responsible for our well-being, being that when we were chidren, most of us were taken care of. We were loved by our caregivers and families. Many of us were not, and subsequently that created a whole host of issues for us as adults. Our mindset is that ‘someone else is responsible for loving me and making me happy.’

A Complete Falsehood

Nothing could be further from the truth. There is no ‘knight in shining armor’ who’s gonna suddenly arrive and save you from a life of lonliness. The truth is within you, so clearly you are responsible for loving yourself. One way to start is by focusing on getting your body stronger and eating healthier. Those two are sort of no-brainers.

Even though you’ve let others navigate your life from time to time, and it hasn’t gotten you what you want—you still have the power to change that. It’s ok if you don’t know where you’re going or how you’ll get there. Self-love isn’t an end goal. It’s a daily practice.

Here are some ideas to spark your own creativity in giving yourself love and care:

1. sitting quietly
2. meditation
3. going for a walk (with friends, or alone)
4. reading
5. enjoying a glass of wine
6. massage
7. exercise (w/group or alone)
8. get a facial/pampering at spa
9. mani-pedi
10. breathe deep in a quiet place (or even in your car!)
11. go to the ocean and walk the beach
12. sit among the redwoods
13. bike ride along the cliffs, thru the trees
14. go for a jog
15. clear a space just for you in your home/yard
16. sit and watch a fun movie
17. go out with a friend (lunch, movie, walk, tea)
18. meet just to talk
19. do something to make you laugh (movie, show, audio)
20. take a full day to be alone and do what pleases you
21. say ‘no’ when you feel over-extended
22. take a class/course (anything) to help your inner game
23. choose to eat better (even do it for one day)
24. start a new project that you totally enjoy
25. call someone you haven’t talked to in a long time

Here are about another 25-ish

26. take a long soothing bath
27. light some scented candles
28. sleep during the day
29. ask someone to be with your kids for a few hours/a day
30. start painting, or drawing, or photography
31. start a journal (this becomes your autobiography. yes, your life matters)
32. put on gentle music and let it waft thru you
33. put on loud music and dance your heart out
34. say ‘no’ to more requests of your time
35. go to the library and discover a new old book
36. show someone love in a small way (you will reap the rewards)
37. take a yoga class
38. do something wild
39. go to bed earlier
40. drink a healthy, nourishing liquid
41. get needed bodywork (chiro, acupuncture, etc)
42. use organic scents (diffuser w/essential oils) to change your mood
43. learn a new handiwork (build something, make something you have never made before)
44. no electronics for a day
45. schedule a counseling session (or therapy) and go!
46. get more social (go to an event, especially if you always avoid them)
47. think about something good…and smile
48. write down everything that you would love to do, then pick one and start right away
49. find new ways of doing the same thing (w/food, new route to work, new path on your walk/jog/ride, reading outside if you always read inside)
50. bake/cook something with a friend
51. go to a place of worship (find what resonates for you)
52. dream about what could be; then take action

Use your creativity 

Think of how many things you can come up with besides the ideas I posted (did I forget shopping?!)

For many of us, the best self-care is to truly stop, do nothing and sit in silence—breathing deep. This allows the body to decompress. If you’re constantly running around, this is the best medicine. Might be time to stand up for your needs. Ask someone to support and help you. Take care of what really matters. Let the rest go.

To your Health and Well-Being, have a Happy Self-Care Self-Love Month!

Clara

Clara E Minor, Master Instructor/Trainer, is owner of MINORSAN Self-Defense & Fitness. You may contact her here. She will help you find your #badasscourage if you are ready.