Self-care - it seems to be the new buzz word in the health and wellness world these days. What exactly does it mean? Here's one definition that I liked: self-care is the maintenance of one's well-being.
Notice the word maintenance - it's the constant repetition of many tidy habits, which together soothe you and make sure you operate at your optimum – emotionally, physically and mentally.
Who doesn’t want to feel well, feel good? Should be easy enough, right? Yet, why is it that we struggle with a commitment to a regular practice of self-care? Despite grasping the importance and concept of it, it’s too easy to use every excuse in the world to put off a practice that sustains us until we have no choice usually due to illness or injury.
There are so many easy and inexpensive things you can do for yourself if only you commit. But first, the most important commitment is the one you make to yourself. You must believe that you are worth the time, effort and expense, if necessary, to keep you flowing through life with more joy and less pain. Easier said than done, I know!
We commit all the time, we know how to as employees, parents, business owners, but to commit to oneself seems like so much work, and for some, it's scary and painful. Ultimately, you have only yourself to answer to, and while you can run, you can’t hide as the saying goes. Eventually, there is fall out from years of poor choices impacting your physical and mental capacities, while you make yourself miserable - and those around you, who you care about and vice versa.
What to do? Today, right now, commit to starting small - one step, one day at a time. See how it feels and then add another practice until your tolerance for self-neglect is nonexistent and your practice reinforces itself because you feel GOOD!
Self-care is highly personal, so rather than present an exhaustive list, here’s a link to a post at Tiny Buddha to get the gears turning.
Pick One for Each
How about picking three easy ones a day - one for your body, one for your mind, and another for your soul? For example:
Body - Stretch out the kinks – shoulder rolls, gentle movements standing or sitting. If at work, there are lots of easy moves and stretches you can do sitting in your chair.
Mind - Give yourself a break – we can be our own worst critic. Yelling at yourself doesn’t help, decide what to do next time instead that will lead to a better outcome.
Soul - Be still – Sit someplace that pleases you – a quiet corner, outdoors in your garden, in front of a window, wherever works best - then, just stop and listen
There are countless choices - habits to create that don’t cost a thing and don’t take a lot of time. Choose anything that pleases you, adds to your well-being, and brings you joy.
The practice of yoga has been my go-to for a long time, even before I started down the teacher training path. The benefits of a regular yoga practice are well-documented by practitioners, as well as science these days.
If you find yourself curious about yoga, or want to expand upon your current practice, reach out for a free consultation and contact me at or go to the YF&G website to learn more.
If self-care is important to you, here are three upcoming yoga workshops that may interest you. All workshops in The Self-Care Series are at Christ the King Community Center, 1001 West Esplanade, Kenner.
Workshop: How to Set up your Yoga Home Practice
Saturday, February 17, 2018 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Fee: $30
For details and to register: Yoga Home Practice
Workshop: Align and Refine Your Yoga Poses
Saturday, March 17, 2018 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Fee: $30
For details and to register: Align and Refine
Workshop: Step Up Your Yoga Practice
Saturday, April 21, 2018 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Fee: $30
For details and to register: Step Up
Buy all three workshops and save | 3 for $75
Register: The Self-Care Series
You may also reserve your space and pay by check or cash, please email Rachel and let her know which workshop(s) or the entire series you wish to attend.