To improve oneself – and the very best you can be!
In my world of Aesthetics and Beauty, I have had the greatest pleasure introducing self-care through my work. I get to help people be the very best they can be, and to raise them up.
When sharing self-care routines, I know that it has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, energy, and countless additional wonderful outcomes and benefits.
Take time for yourself. You deserve it! So, let’s get practical. Here are some thoughts on getting started. This is the list I always go back to – sort of my ‘touchstone’ - that I go back to from ‘time to time’ as I think about doing a ‘re-set’ and getting refocused on self-care:
Clean Up That Diet – Work towards better eating habits for a stronger you. A healthier diet can help you feel better and stronger – not just physically, but mentally too.
Exercise - Be physically active. Be creative and find what will get that heart rate up for a few minutes every day!
Sleeping Habits – Make a commitment to go to bed at a reasonable hour. Turn off any electronics and keep devices away from your body while sleeping. A full night's sleep means your body will go into repair mode. So, find your comfort zone of sleep – how many ever hours you need, and let the body repair and renew its cells.
See your Doctor - Make yourself the top priority. Make your appointments, keep them, and follow up.
Relax-– Create a plan that will be in your best interest to take stress out of your day and out of your body. Find your 'Relax State.’
Mindfulness - Be mentally tough by making decisions and free the brain of confusion. Focus on being present. Create a sense of ease with everything you do! Meditate!
Focus – Make your list of what needs to be done, prioritize. Set goals for the things you want to accomplish. And, train yourself not to get distracted by what you can’t control.
Meditate – You don’t have to be a Zen master to meditate. Just find a quiet spot and be still for a few minutes. Slow down your breathing and put your worries aside for a short time. Allow yourself to be fully in the moment and savor in it.
Organize – Create a road map for everything you want to get done, then devote a day to tackling them. Set a date in the near future to take care of any remaining tasks.
For Your Spirit - Feed your soul with self-worth and mature your spirit.
Get rid of Negative People – Don't let negatives into your life! You can avoid them or keep them away.
Have Gratitude Daily – Change your perspective! Enjoy you… being you!
So, self-care is about finding you! Find ways to soothe and strengthen your mind, body and spirit. Always remember it's not selfish and it’s not indulgent. Traveling through life can be tough, and our souls can get tired. But if we remember to refill our cup, we’ll be refreshed and replenished for the road ahead and the people in our lives.
Quotes:
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” ~ Anne Lamott
"Self-Care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation." ~ Audrey Lourde
Please enjoy exploring the insights from our wonderful experts as they share thoughts on the topic of self-care. And most of all, lean into this marvelous day with power, serenity and, of course, a renewed commitment to self-care.
Love to you all!
Karen Ballou
Founder & CEO IMMUNOCOLOGIE Skincare kballou@immunocologie.com