Self-Care

Hey family! One thing I have committed myself to for the past few months is giving more time for self-care. We live in a microwave society that deceives us constantly on how happiness works.

The level of competition to show who is "living my best life" the best has left us broke and depressed. I can't lie, every once in a while I want to "flex on the gram", but I've realized that you have to find the small sources of happiness to stay afloat. So that's my advice to you! Here are some of my self-care ideas:

1. Eat good, but eat GOOD. Everyone's excuse for not eating healthy stems from money and time, but the overwhelming positive effect that comes from eating healthy surpasses the excuses you make. It may seem easy to hit up the drive thru or you might want to load up on junk food after a long stressful day. Trust me, I feel where you're coming from, but I promise I feel a thousand times better when I eat fruits and veggies. If you think you don't have time, check out my blog post on 30 minute meals. If you think it's too expensive, let me change your mind. You CAN do it!

2. Exercise! I can not begin to explain how important exercise is in my life. My mood literally sways based on how many days I am able to exercise. I'm not saying you have to go hard core pumping iron seven days a week, but even if it's just three days of taking a 30 minute walk, please do it!

3. Breathe. While at my hot yoga class recently, the instructor stressed the importance of breathing. It is something we do without effort 24/7, but have you taken the time to notice the breaths you take? I challenge you to take one to two minutes when you first wake up and do five second inspiration through the nose, and seven second expiration out the mouth.

4. Meditation. So this one I want to make clear does not involve any "hebegebies". This is just a chance to allow your brain to reset. There is no time limit on meditation. If you're a busy body like me, you can just listen to one calming song, close your eyes, and try to clear you mind. You can also spend that time praying. Once the song is over, notice how relax you feel.

5. Consistency is key. Many people will go to get a massage like once a year or take a vacation, but what are you doing to bring relief during the rest of the time? Even if it is just the breathing exercise, do at least three self-care actions a week.

6. Yoga, Zumba, something fun. I have always been an athlete. I never really worried about my weight nor stress level, because I could run it out at the track. Fast forward five years. I had to find new and exciting ways to get my health on. I LOVE zumba. I mean if I could do it for a living (which I might get certified anyway) then I would! I recently started doing yoga, but not just any yoga, HOT yoga. With this, I am able to practice self-care while also releasing the toxins of the week.

7. Cooking. I know that some think of cooking as a chore and honestly I used to think the same way. My mind totally changed when I decided to become vegan. With cooking, I am able to incorporate my creativity and leave with a tasty lasting impression.

8. Warm bath/shower. I know it may sound silly, but something as simple as taking a warm bath can be soothing for your muscles and mind. If you don't have a bathtub, buy some lavender oil, wet a face towel with cold water, cover your face with the towel, and breath in.

9. Laugh. Everyone once in a while has to pause and just laugh. If that means watching a funny video on youtube, or hanging out with your family or friends, find your laughter, because its good for your soul!

10. SLEEP. This is by far one of the most important aspects of life. I can't lie, I suck at this, but it is the best advice I could give. If you're sleepy, you are not able to work to your highest level. So put those phones down at night, record that show, so you can watch it later, and catch those zzzzz's.

Honestly, it does not matter what you do, laugh, cry, hang out with friends, listen to music, whatever works for you, DO IT! The constant craze of the week can sometimes put you in a scary cycle and if you don't find a way to escape, you'll lose yourself. Your mental health is of great importance because it decides how your health will be. If you ever want to talk or need advice, I am always a listening ear. I know we spend a lot of time caring for others, but every once in a while, take care of YOU!

Peace and Love,

DeidreVee