4 Simple Ways to Cultivate Self Care (At home)
Its been almost two months since F and I moved into my parents house (temporarily) to save for a house and be comfortable when we get married (in only 5 months WOO). Its been a bit crazy, and things are only starting to slow down and feel settled. I've noticed my eating habits take a hit, and my personal self care take a back seat to adjusting to a new (and not so beneficial) routine. But I've reminded myself today after a trip to IKEA that self care is our ultimate tool for wellbeing (besides the food we eat, and how we move our bod). So today, I returned my focus to my self care and here are 4 simple ways I cultivated it at home.
1. Get outside. No seriously, open your front door and get out there. My body has been buzzing for a run in the past few weeks, and today I listened to the call of my body. Despite today being gloomy here in Southern Ontario and exceptionally rainy, I tied up my laces and took Bandit for a run through the park near our home. He was in his glory, the joy on his dog face made me even happier to be out there getting soaked, and by the time I was finished my run, I felt like a new person. The house felt less full of stress and I was ready to blend up a green smoothie to enjoy for lunch.
Spending time in nature and getting fresh air is a non-negotiable for me. I like to think of it as my dose of vitamin N. It's just as important as other vitamins and minerals, to get outside and breathe. Or move. Or wander. Its incredibly grounding, and has some pretty rad health benefits too: it can ease depression, it can improve your outlook and focus, improved sleep, exercise, benefits to your psychological wellbeing in general (especially for those of us with SAD or seasonal affective disorder, get outside even in the winter), and it can strengthen your immunity. Score.
2. Meditate. When your stressed out because your dogs or children are running around being little devils, or you got into an argument with your parents/in-laws, take a time out to sit in silence and breathe. Today, I listened to a guided meditation and then some music that gets me in the zone for meditating, and just breathed. For 10 minutes. I try to do this for 10-20 minutes, two times a day. But I'm pretty proud and grateful if I just get one sesh in.
3. Use natural cleaning products, air fresheners (essential oils guys), and personal care products to cultivate a home self care practice that reminds you of a spa day. I'm obsessed with doterra for all of these needs, and I can't wait to share my fave new beauty routine courtesy of doterra's new spa line. I'm in LOVE. By eliminating the toxic crap we use everyday we create a beautiful haven for us to spend time in. For me, this is our bedroom - where there is no toxins allowed.
We consistently keep our bedroom clean and fresh by doing these few things:
- open windows at least once a day for fresh air (typically overnight)
- keep a house plant, perfect for a little extra life and oxygen
- a salt lamp, because the benefits and ambiance are the bomb
- diffuse 100% CPTG essential oils from doterra, some of my faves include lemon (or any citrus oil really), serenity, passion, on guard + purify
- a couple drops in the diffuser a couple times a day and you are set
- I wipe down all surfaces with On Guard Cleaner Concentrate (about 2 tbsp in 16oz of water) every other day. It smells great and helps kill the bad bacteria while keeping the good kind safe
4. Create a sacred space. Our space at my parents is our bedroom. F has a separate area for his gaming computer, but I missed out on my home office that I've become accustomed to. So today, the hubs and I took a trip to IKEA and purchased me this tiny little desk for $40 and set me up a little office area in our bedroom. It's perfect for my MacBook, my current reads (Love Your Lady Landscape by Lisa Lister = podcast guest goals, and Pussy: A Reclamation by Regena Thomashauer aka Mama Gena), a crystal and a new house plant. It feels amazing and makes me want to sit down and study and work. Its perfect, and makes me feel like I have my own space to go retreat too.
These are some simple ways to cultivate a self care practice at home - that are not limited to the things we do to our bodies. Remember your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical wellbeing. I can't tell you how much better I feel knowing I have a small space to call my own and to feel relaxed in. Take 10 minutes today to see where you can cultivate self care, maybe its a space that needs a face lift, a tea date with a good friend, a run in the park, a cup of coffee and a good book, or maybe its a nap. Just identify where you need a little extra love and set aside the time you have available to do that for yourself. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
Much love,
Jedrah xo
