How is your month going?
I’m finding that I need to increase self-care, which feels odd to say because it’s not that I dropped the ball. But what I’m finding is that the world seems so filled with anxiety that I need to counteract that with strong boundaries for bringing joy to myself.
So here are 5 Ways To Take Care Of You
1. Create art.
What do you enjoy creating? Do you like to scrapbook, draw, paint, or maybe color inside an adult coloring book?
I personally enjoy photography and find immense joy in looking for the beauty all around me. Some of my photos are posted here: instagram.com/rachelroseboucher/. I’ve also gotten into taking more videos, especially of nature, so you’ll see some of that as well.
2. Gratitude journal
This is not a new concept. Sarah Ban Breathnach made popular the idea of keeping a gratitude journal in her book Simple Abundance. I’ve practiced the art of this on and off for years.
Recently I bought a day calendar so that I could write at least 3 things that I am grateful for every day. I love reviewing what was good about my day before I go to bed.
3. Exercise outdoors
We all know how wonderful exercise is for you, but there’s something extra special about being out in nature.
I love hearing the birds and the wind as I walk around a chosen spot. And my eyes thrill at the latest gorgeous flowers that are blooming or the sun that is sparkling off the water.
4. Look at beautiful artwork
There’s something so calming about viewing a magnificent piece of art.
There are certain artists I follow on Instagram or Facebook that just captivate me and make me pause at the incredible depth of design. Videos can do that as well. Beyonce’s Black is King was a delight for the senses.
5. Celebrate what’s working
Our brain has a tendency to focus on what’s wrong. There’s some hardwiring connected to this and our survival. (You can Google the research on this yourself if you want.)
Each day I find pockets of time to think about what’s going well and celebrate, even if it’s a small win. Today, I rejoice in the fact that it’s not overly hot and humid so I can sit on my deck and listen to the wind through the trees and enjoy my container garden.
How do you take care of yourself every day? Do you need to increase your self-care? Is there something new you want to try?