Here is my deep, dark secret. I devour self-development books. Physical books, audio books, even podcasts. I love Gabby Bernstein, Mel Robbins, Wayne Dyer, just to name a few. Somewhere along the lines I heard one of these amazing people say “the inside job is a big deal”. That statement resonates so deeply for me. Enough so that I catch myself saying it often.
In the last blog I talked about what is balance and what does it mean to be in balance. How being out of balance can feel like we have too much work and not enough time. We might feel stressed and are neglecting our own health. Like you are doing a shit job of managing your responsibilities. I also shared that being in balance can mean better mental and physical health, increased productivity, better relationships, and a sense of fulfillment. Sound like something you’re interested in? Good, me too!
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Self-care is not selfish, it is a priority. Does that mean you need to take time for bubble baths, facemasks, and spa days? I mean…I’m not going to turn any one of those things down. But it is so much bigger – and a lot more simple than that. It just means that we need to nurture our mind, body, and soul. That is why the ‘inside job’ resonates so deeply with me.
Photo by César Couto on Unsplash
We 100% need to build the foundation with healthy food, good sleep, and regular physical movement. Those are the everyday basics. Then you need to add on the nourishment. Meditation, breathwork, time in nature, listen to uplifting music, spend time with people you enjoy. PRACTICE GRATITUDE.
It’s a little different for each us, and it even changes as our life cycles change. Kids, career, family, relationships all impact what we need at the moment.
Here are my favorites:
Meditation. I love meditation for relaxation, affirmation, gratitude, manifestation. You name it, there is a meditation for it. Here is a link to one of my free relaxation meditations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFfiu8ulT5M
Breathwork. The benefits of breathwork are limitless. I use it in a similar fashion as meditation. 5 minutes a day, relax the body and mind. But it is fascinating to see how I consciously and unconsciously use it as I navigate my day. Sometimes in a stressful situation, something that makes me nervous (like public speaking), or just when I need a minute to reset. Here is a link to a free breathwork session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM8fsjZjsDc&t=2s
Music. If I’m not listening to a book or podcast, I am listening to music. I love it all. Have you ever noticed that the tone of the music you are listening to can change your mood? I am very aware of the impact and use music to support me. Heavy lifting session – Disturbed. Wanna pout for a little bit - Amy Whinehouse. Relaxing bath – Etta James. Feeling badass – Lizzo. Need a minute of love and light – India.Arie. Here’s my favorite by Inda.Arie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpOpKneH2j4
Gratitude. Feeling and expressing gratitude is an absolute game changer. It forces you to move from a negative state of not having to a positive state of having enough. No matter how rough things feel this minute you have something to be grateful for. You are alive, you are breathing clean air, you have the ability to put your feet on the floor each morning. It doesn’t matter how small it is. You can start small and build up. But be specific. Every night I put my wedding rings on a ring holder. When I put them down at night and when I pick them up in the morning I say to myself thank you for charging this strong relationship that I have with this amazing man. It sounds a little hokey but I promise you that it changes your outlook in the best way!
Start thinking about how you can implement some of those things into your day or even week. If you want to see something truly life altering, include your family. Kids will totally get behind these practices and will have so much benefit from doing so!
Next week I’ll talk a little more about pulling it all together. In the meantime, let me know what your self-care practices are and if you try any my suggestions.
All the best,
Comments