Bra and Legging by Athleta
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It's the end of the week, how do you plan doing your body good? Self care is the foundation of success in work, relationships and life overall. When we take a pause to offer ourselves the maintenance we need, we can be more efficient in our undertakings. We are more loving toward ourselves, others and as a result can live a more fulfilling existence.
If you're thinking to yourself, "what pause?" Your week is hectic, your list of things to do doesn't stop on Friday, you are always on the go, there's still hope for you too. In fact, if you find yourself to be extremely busy, taking a few minutes of self care is particularly crucial for you in order to avoid burnout. Below I've listed 5 self care practices that can be done in under 10 minutes. Try them out and let us know how you feel.
1. Brain Dump Journaling: It's known that with a clear mind we can make more sound and confident decisions. However, with so much on our plate it can become easy to let too many thoughts take over and that's when things can get a bit chaotic. One solution for this is to take 10 minutes out of the day to sit with every thought that arises and write them in your journal as they come. This exercise helps to reduce the feeling of overwhelm, mental clutter and aids in the organization of thought. When you see everything that clogs your headspace on paper you can begin to prioritize. At another time you can return to the list and tend to the thoughts that plague your mind in a more productive way by either letting go or meditating on healthy solutions. Try Brain Dump Journaling once a week and let us know how you feel.
2. Tea time: Not only is tea delicious, its also a great way to slow down and spend some time with self (or a buddy). Green tea has polyphenols, a compound that fights against cancer and inflammation. Special tea blends have properties that promote calm, cleanses the body and boosts energy levels. One of my favorite teas spots in the D.C.area is Calabash Tea where they literally ask, "How do you feel?" and, "How would you like to feel today?" I love to grab their Matcha Maca Latte in the middle of the day to get gentle pick me up for when I still have a list of things to do. Bonus: they also put super cute Affirmations on the cup lids. Looove!! Ok, it's tea time.
3. Affirmations: There is no thing greater at sealing the deal than something in writing. "I am enough and have everything I need to be successful." Affirmations are good for reminding us of our own greatness and potential. When we stick with them, affirmations become confirmation that our thoughts are in alignment with and in control of our reality. We are able to convince our minds that we are enough and as we repeat these affirmations they become more powerful. Affirmations can be written or said aloud daily and even multiple times throughout the day. They literally take no time. Start by writing 5 affirming statements and let your list grow.
4. A walk around the block: I truly believe that nature is one of the best therapists. When I feel in need of nurturing energy, I take a trip outdoors. Being outside can promote calm, mindfulness, reduce stress, muscle tension and heart rate. Nature reminds us of regeneration, allowing old thoughts and ways that no longer serve us to die off like leaves of winter to make room for new life at spring.
5. Meditation: One of my favorite things to do when my mind feels rushed is to meditate. I slow down my breath and body to connect to where am in the moment. In a meditative state the pituitary gland releases endorphins in the body that tell us, "I'm happy." This is often why we find ourselves in a state of "bliss" whenever a meditation is complete. It takes very little time to journey inward. Slow the breath, calm the mind and connect your highest state of self.
What are some other mini self care practices we can add to the list?
To learn more about Calabash Tea visit: https://www.calabashdc.com
Join Sihnuu and learn more about meditation here.