Self-Care Can Always Evolve
Self-care is anything we do for ourselves to increase or maintain the wellness of our mind, body and soul. I always encourage people to meet themselves where they are. We’ve got to start somewhere and every step toward our desired health is a step in the right direction. Self-care is very personal and individualized since each of us is unique and have different needs. It’s important to choose self-care options that resonate with our goals, interests and lifestyles.
Self-care can be very fluid and change with our needs at any given time. In fact, I think that’s the most effective way to approach it. Our needs vary as our circumstances and lives progress. One thing that is constant is change, so of course our self-care will need to be modified as we flow through life. However, self-care is most effective when we continuously approach it as a priority. The ideal is to consistently weave self-care practices into each day.
For the past several years I’ve done yoga or walking each morning before I begin my day. Recently I’ve been feeling very creative and inspired so I’ve switched my schedule around to use time in the morning for my creative bursts and make time for movement each evening.
Today I was thinking about all the different types of self-care I’ve practiced and how each had a purpose at the time, but also how it has changed and evolved. For example, I did chelation therapy several years ago to rid my body of the heavy metals from a past health crisis. Following that protocol I juiced almost every day for a year after to maintain a form of detoxification. Today I begin the day with warm lemon water and take a gentle drainage homeopathic remedy twice a day for purification, knowing we get exposed to toxins regardless of living an organic lifestyle. I juice several times a week during November and December when cranberries are in season. My body is now more purified and does not have the same needs it did previously. Yet, I still benefit from healthy detoxification habits for maintenance.
I’ve eaten lots of healthy, organic foods and produce for at least twenty-five years. Things have recently progressed and I’ve begun growing some of my own produce. It feels amazing to nourish my body with healthy, organic foods that I have cultivated. These days I am making at least half of my dog’s food rather than relying only on kibble. They seem to love their new food too. I never anticipated making these changes, but am really enjoying how things have evolved!
I share these examples to illustrate how self-care can progress and expand. As we flex and flow with our needs and desires of the present, new opportunities to up-level our self-care and uplift ourselves are presented. It can truly become a self-care journey that continually unfolds as we grow, which is very exciting!
It is encouraged that you to evaluate your self-care for potential changes that keep things exciting and edifying. What are the things you wish to continue because they are working well? Are there new things you’d like to try that could advance your health and well-being? Are there practices or hobbies you’d like to include because they bring fun and joy into your life? There are so many choices, and the beauty of it is that the choice is yours. You can design your self-care and your life to work for you!