How I Recharge -- My Top 10 Self-Care Ideas
I can’t believe this is in my backyard! False Creek Seawall, Vancouver BC
I’m not sure if you believe in Astrology, but if you do, you know that my sign, Cancer, are homebodies at our cores. I prefer to be in a one-on-one or a small intimate group setting. What does this mean for me around the busy holiday season? And more specifically, how do I recharge after a busy weekend of Holiday parties and gatherings? Preferably by myself ;). I used to feel bad for wanting to stay home instead of always going out, but now, I embrace that part of me. If I know I have a busy weekend, I won’t plan anything for the following weekend if I can help it. Some people get energy from being around big groups of people, NOT this girl. I also love being in small groups where I feel like I can be 100% MYSELF—or with my man, cause lets be honest, I am ME through and through when I’m with him (he know’s all my goofy and corky habits).
Here’s my guide to some Self-Care Tips and Ideas—and how it can actually help get you out of your head if you're in a spiral of negative self-talk, comparison, mindless eating, or feeling anxious/overwhelmed from the busyness of December. (Don’t get me wrong, I freaking LOVE Christmas!, but I also love my alone time).
Walk-- a 10 min walk can reduce stress and help alleviate the negative hormonal effects of stress. I’m talking walking at a relaxed paced--not a power walk. Notice your surroundings, your breath, and how good your body and mind feel when you get you incorporate some low intensity movement. Walking helps lower cortisol levels, increases circulation, and sensitizes the body to insulin.
2. Earthing-- putting your feet in direct contact with the grass, sand, or dirt, OR hug a tree. "Earthing" or "Grounding" has a multitude of benefits: making direct contact with the earth can reduce stress, increase quality of sleep, moderate nighttime cortisol levels, and enhance circadian rhythms.
3. Sleep-- testosterone and other adaptive hormones repair organs, strengthen and rebuild muscles, and rejuvenate the body systems.
Sleep activates the release of human growth hormone (HGH), this helps burn body fat.
During sleep: the regions of brain responsible for emotional and social function are rested so that you can face the day refreshed.
Sleep conditions: mellow, dark, and a cool tempurature bedroom.
First thing in the AM: expose yourself to direct sunlight, this elevates serotonin and cortisol to make you feel refreshed and energized for the busy day ahead!
4. Meditation-- reduces stress, improves digestion, promotes emotional health, improves self awareness (this one has been a major factor in healing from my Eating Disorder and reducing my anxiety), induces a state of "flow," improves cognition, can regulate anxiety and mood disorders, just to name a few!
5. Music-- put on some of your favourite mood boosting music >> this will enhance your mood and increase happiness. When you listen to music, your feel good hormones (serotonin and dopamine) are released into the brain, this helps with energy, relaxation and can help you stay focused.
6. Healthy Social Connections-- Call up a friend or family member. Make a coffee date with someone who you haven't connected with in awhile. When nurturing your intimate circle, invest wisely in those individuals who are supportive, uplifting, respect boundaries, and enhance your well-being. My personal preference is combining some movement with a friend date, ie. hiking, walking, yoga, swim and sauna.
7. Move Your Body-- yoga, a workout, dancing, team sports, rock climbing, hiking, etc. Movement enhances overall health and wellbeing, improves insulin sensitivity, increases bone density, increase energy levels, and improves quality of sleep, etc.
8. Limit Screen Time-- Excessive digital stimulation can flood your body with dopamine and can spark impulsive behavior. It can shrink parts of the brain linked to cognitive processes. Try limiting digital periods to 2 times per day, morning and evening. Prioritize emails, etc. technology breaks are so important for our productivity and mood. (this is something I’m always working on. Time blocking my screen time has been so helpful with my productivity).
9. Shopping, Preparing, and Cooking a Nourishing Meal-- Expressing gratitude for the food on your plate, seeing, smelling, chewing, and tasting your food improves digestion and are pillars of mindful eating. When you take a second to thank the farmers and the people who packaged the food, you end up appreciating the food and all that it has to offer your mind and body.
10. Gratitude practice-- Expressing gratitude raises your vibration! If you believe in manifestation and law of attraction, then you know the power of raising your vibration, because what you put out into the world is what you attract.