Lucid Thoughts: Self Care

The moment we hear self care we can’t help but picture us having our favorite face scrub on, a glass of bubbly while we run a hot bath to drop the latest bath bomb in. Yes, all those things are pretty great. Trust me I’m here for ALL OF IT!! 

But we must realize and accept that self care goes beyond the scope of the physical. It is taking a moment to disconnect.  It is the time you take to relax the material and let go of what aches the mind. The biggest evil in this world is stress. It can take over on so many levels, depleting your physical and bringing about ailments you would never have imagined. It’s really true, stress kills.

I for one am a huge advocate for self care. Disconnecting is my biggest win. I turn my phone off, I log out, zero notifications. I use that quiet time to reconnect with myself. Listening to my body for what it may need.

Am I hydrating enough? Am I malnourished both physically & spiritually? How am I treating this envelope that carries my soul? Is my sleep within 6-8 hours? 

Trust all those things make a difference. The DND function on my phone is used regularly, Do Not Disturb, for those who don’t know. Every night it’s on automatically so I can ensure I get the best rest.

So when I decide on my self care days, I plan ahead what will that day will be about. Once a month I have a day I treat myself for full on refreshing journey.  Starting out with a mani / pedi, a facial, maybe even a haircut, followed by wholesome brunch. Later a walk around the city, then back home to some adult beverage, sage, chill music and maybe some solo video game time.  The funny thing is this has been my routine for years. I actually got laughed at about it many times. Yet here we are now, self care is all that we talk about. So when quarantine happened, I just had more time to do the things I enjoy most, while saving money doing so lol.

Yes, there are times you can’t plan it out. I do so to get the maximum effect. I’m a betweenness of planner & spontaneity. You can have rough day or week, so that instant self care moment is even more precious. It means you are listening to your mind/body/spirit and giving it what it needs. Stay attentive, don’t wait for your battery to deplete itself, to then react and try to fix it. Thats the equal of drinking water only because you are thirsty, feeding yourself because you are hungry. You have reached the end, now your body is screaming out to give what is essential for it. So nap when you want to, fill up that tub after a long day, bring that bottle over and binge your fave show while you let go of the stress that holds you back from being your best self.

Taking care of yourself shouldn’t be looked down upon, how else can we care for others, if we can’t care for ourselves properly?

::pops bottle of Champagne::

Cheers!

Lucid OmniJack