“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” ~ Sharon Salzberg, New York Times Best Selling Author
In my coaching practice it is common for people to think they should do certain things to practice self-care, such as prayer, meditation, yoga or journaling. All of these are excellent practices to be sure.
The reality is that what restores us is as individual as our thumbprints.
What you do to restore yourself is strictly a matter of your own individual needs.
For most of us, restoration incorporates a mix of rest, emotional sustenance, intellectual challenge and spiritual fulfillment. Emotional sustenance is the most abstract of these needs. Usually it involves emotional intimacy, personal pleasure and sexual satisfaction.
Which activities will you use to restore yourself?
Here is a list of restoring activities to get you started thinking about what YOU need.
Body
- Sleeping
- Resting
- Grooming
- Sensual activities
- Relaxation
- Massage
- Baths
- Stretching
- Sexual pleasure
- A new haircut
- A new style
- New jewelry or accessories
- Back rubs
- Foot rubs
- Sleeping in
- Nice clothes
- Hugs
- Holding hands
- A long shower
- Snuggling
Mind
- Reading
- Learning something new
- Creating
- Reflecting
- Having an adventure
- Writing
- Time alone
- Yoga
- A new interest
- Gardening
- Being outdoor
- Listening
- Talking
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Journal writing
- Dreaming
- Fixing things
- Calling a friend
Spirit
- Meditation
- Singing
- Nature
- Art
- Crying
- Music
- Dance
- Laughing
- Belonging to a community
- Poetry
- Intimacy
- Time with animals
- Prayer
- Inspiring reading
- Journal writing
It can feel difficult at first to find/make the time to restore ourselves when we are used to being too busy. The job. The commute. The kids. The partner. The friends. The bills. The exercise routine. It feels like there’s no time left over for refueling ourselves.
Sometimes it requires a lifestyle adjustment to rearrange your life so that you have time to restore yourself. Making concrete changes gives you the structure you need to support your decision to make your life better. Here are some common types of lifestyle changes that pave the way to achieving time for restoration and, ultimately, happiness.
- Rearrange your priorities
- Find a job with a shorter commute
- Exercise during your lunch hour to give you more time in the evening
- Work on finding solutions in your home life that will end family turmoil
- Hire help with your business
- Find a new job that gives you more meaning in your life
- Let go of things that are not necessary (adding value to your life)
- Hire a child care provider to give you more time with your partner
When you find what you need in terms of self-care, your situation will be different. You will be able to express the strength, goodness and wisdom that already exists within you with your own personal flair for living.
Imagine your life with balance and restoration.
At the end of the day, as you turn out the light, you reflect on your day with a sense of completeness and gratitude. You experienced dignity and security throughout the day because you attended to the myriad needs of your body, mind and spirit. You have created a life that is truly beautiful.
What self-care practices restore balance for you? Please comment below…