What is self-care?

Self-care is looking after yourself so you have enough physical and emotional energy for yourself and others.

Here are some self-care tips to help you feel better each day:

1. Take a 30 minute lunch break.

During your break savour your lunch. This brings you to the present moment and you become more aware of the food you’re eating.

2. Spend time in nature.
A few days each week walk, run or ride along nature tracks. Spending time in nature is healing and helps to clear your ki.

3. On your way to and from work or school take a moment to look at the trees and sky.
This also brings you to the present moment and distracts you from a mental “to do list”.

A simple daily practice. What if each night you made time to look at the evening sky and find the first star that appeared. It’s a simple yet profound way to honour dusk and your daily concerns are placed into a wider context.

4. While seated at work or at home create a bell on your phone, computer, or watch that reminds you to check your posture.

a) Are both of your sitting bones connected to the seat beneath you?

b) Are both of your feet firmly planted on the floor?

c) Are your collar bones gently widened?

This seated posture helps you to work effectively and productively.

5. Be gentle with yourself.
When you experience challenging thoughts and emotions acknowledge them and then practice letting them go. This gets easier when you recieve because Reiki practice brings you to the present moment so you dwell less on past events and become less attached to future outcomes.

6. Spend time away from electronic devices such as your computer, iPad and phone.
These devices drain your energy or vital ki.

a) Store your mobile phone outside your bedroom. If you need to keep it in your bedroom turn it off before you sleep.

b) Have days that are completely mobile phone free. Leave your phone at home when you go out with friends or family.

7. Incorporate warm foods into your diet
Primarily during winter, but throughout other seasons as well, incorporate warm foods into your diet. Warm foods aid digestion and increase your energy levels because your system doesn’t need to overwork to convert food into energy. Soups are ideal.

8. Practice saying “No, I’m sorry I can’t do that at the moment”
Having boundaries professionally and personally helps to maintain your health and wellbeing. Self- care is an ongoing practice for natural givers. If you notice yourself experiencing fatigue due to over-giving gently pull back and begin to put more energy back into you.

9. Allocate time for activities that make you feel good.
This connects you to your true nature that’s peaceful, grounded, and happy.  You may like to:

a) spend time with loved ones

b) garden or cook

c) paint or draw

d) watch uplifting movies

e) exercise in nature

10. Get adequate rest

Aiming for 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night restores your energy.

11. Tune into sounds around you.

Practicing this brings you to the present moment and relaxes your central nervous system. You may like to do this while you’re waiting for others or allocate some time for “listening” during the day.