Post election and with the myriad other situations plaguing the world, and the people, currently; self care is more important now than ever. 

I have long believed we create our own little realities despite the chaos of the world. So much is out of our hands, but our wellness is not if we chose to be mindful, active participants instead of passive consumers. 

Chaos is inevitable; whether it’s fears, insecurities, or uncertainty; these feelings exist in micro and macrocosms of our lives. It then becomes how we deal with those pressures and how to take care of ourselves, body, mind and spirit. Not just for our own peace, but for the ripple effects people who live in peace create. 

In yoga, I learned taking care of me meant showing up, admitting I needed to be there, breathing, being kind to myself in thought and action, loving more, and seeking truth even though society at large would rather have me staying sick, hating myself, and living in fear. On so many levels, be there social structures and mainstream media, or tired stretotypes and stigmas, we do not live in a space that makes loving yourself and caring for yourself super easy. 

I challenge everyone to seek truth. In that challenge, we have to look for things that nourish our souls, and spirits, which includes our physical body and our mind. To find more peace in anything, we have to start with ourselves, no matter how grand (or small) anything that keeps us from peace might be. We really have to start fresh with ourselves, and our peace will touch the world more than any propaganda will. 

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde

/ What is Self Care? 

Much of life is out of our control. Self care is not. It is the care of the self that is under our individual control and grants us the freedom to make deliberate decisions that take care of us best. It doesnt always mean doing more, and it often means doing less, especially as a time that is plagued by stress and glorifies busy. A topic I wrote about here. 

Self care pushes us to be aware and mindful. I often talk about setting an intention but self care feels more intuitive to me. If something feels off, it probably is. 

And that’s really all there is. Sure, there are lists online of things you can do (make tea, read a book, get a manicure) the seem trite and some might think “good living” is being pushed on them. Withint everything is a balance, and more than that, is awareness of self. Your self care list might vary greatly from others. Like the sentiment “schedule time by yourself”…as an introvert, it’s important for me to balance all my preferred time alone with time spent around people I love before I drift into an abyss of isolation. 

Wherever you fall, tune into you and think what would help you find peace. Maybe self care to do lists feel obligatory. I’ll be the first to tell you there is no one size fits all self care plan, and there is no “right” way to do it. Sure, there are things we know to be more healing for us, but I support anyone who finds their way through the chaos, without relying on suspect coping mechanisms. 

Here are some other thoughts to help — 

And remember: No one will look out for you in the same way you can for yourself.  

/ Look into Mindfulness

I write more about mindfulness here; which just means to pay attention, a key part of knowing what does and doesn’t feel good for you, your body, and your peace. 

/ Then Mind Your Body

Health is wealth, and if you have your health… appreciate it. The body inside and out will function best when given proper foods that aren’t processed, lots of life giving water, exercise or movement, and conscious approaches to internal issues or illnesses. Learn what is in what you put in and on your body. Aim for the most loving approach and options. 

/ Get Out of You to Get Back to You

Self care is also giving back. Look for ways to be involved in causes that matter to you. Give of your time or services or presence without expectation. By giving, we get. Also, service helps us transcend feeling small and powerless. When we give or come together to serve, we get to feel meaningful and on purpose. 

/ Go Where the Love Is

Feels good, doesn’t it?

/ Create Ritual

Part of what made yoga so soothing to me was the fact it was the same pattern of poses, every class. the repetition was calming, comforting, and stable (when nothing else in my head or heart was.) 

Yoga can certainly be the ritual, but so can a morning routine, or doing the same little handful of things everyday (or consistently enough) that matter to you. Relish in those moments. 

What are your favorite self care habits? What does self care mean to you? Do you think it’s as powerful as I do? Comment below. Love y’all.