January 15, 2009

What is self-care?

For many people the idea of self-care is an unknown concept. What is self-care? Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, has listed their description of self-care as:

Self-care is personal health maintenance. It is any activity of an individual, family or community, with the intention of improving or restoring health, or treating or preventing disease.

The American Heritage Medical Dictionary describes self-care as:

Self-care: The care of oneself without medical, professional, or other assistance or oversight.

What does self-care and daily self-care mean to me? Self-care for me is a combination of the two descripitons above but with my own personal twist. I tend to merge self-care with beauty. I love to take a simple task that is generally associated with personal hygeine and give it intention. What do I mean by intention? Well, instead of just jumping from task to task, I like to take a minute and put some energy into what I am doing. For example: Instead of just throwing lotion on my skin after a shower I like to take a minute and thank my body while I am applying the lotion. I thank my legs for being strong and flexable allowing me to move freely. I appreciate my arms for all the things they help me to do in my day. I thank my feet for keeping me grounded and being my mode of transportation - literally acting as my vehicle and taking me from point A to point B almost effortlessly. I thank my body for being so good to me, and in the few minutes that I take to thank my body while performing a simple ritual of applying lotion, my body thanks me in return.

Examples of Self-care:

Exercise. I love when the weather is warm being able to head out to the water on the west side and go for a run/walk with my i-pod and some good music. It is the best way to start the day.

Beautiful Food. Food literally is the fuel for our bodies; it keeps us going, gives us energy and helps to keep us strong. Providing the body with healthy food is a wonderful way to apply self care.

Quiet time, How often do you take a few minutes and just get quiet? Give yourself quiet time. It's in the stillness that so many wonderful things come to us.

Inspiring people. Spend time with positive people. Doing so is a great practice of self-care. 

Find what works for you, but do it. Spend time everyday doing something good for yourself. It doesn't have to take a long time, just put intention and energy into what you do and you will reap the rewards.

December 07, 2008

Welcome!

Welcome to Evolve with Grace. Enjoy your journey.