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How to Create a Self-Care Practice

WHEN YOU HAVE A JOB, FAMILY, FRIENDS + VOLUNTEER COMMITMENTS

Article by Yuriko Beaman

Photography by Yuriko Beaman

The dramatic shifts in our lives have made it even more important to devote time and energy to taking care of ourselves. However, it’s often hard to do when you have a job, family, friends, and volunteer commitments. Despite knowing that you are at your best when you make time for yourself, it’s often the first thing to be sacrificed. 

Schedule a Self-Care Habit

Take a moment to look at your weekly calendar and get a sense of the patterns in your day. Is there a time of day or a collection of moments that are quieter than others? For this week, schedule at least 5 minutes each day just for you. Commit to this habit by scheduling a reminder in your phone or adding it to your calendar. You might also increase the time you spend on some activities that give you a sense of peace. If you recently adopted a dog, perhaps take a long walk and try walking on a local trail. If you are practicing yoga online, stay in savasana (corpse pose) for an extra 5 minutes. Check out my video on my favorite savasana practice, supta baddha konasana.

5-Minute Self-Care Ideas:

+ Go out for a walk (yes, just for 5 minutes)

+ Watch your favorite cat video

+ Meditate

+ Enjoy a cup of tea 

+ Slowly eat a piece of chocolate or fruit

+ At-home facial mask (you probably have a sample in your toiletries)

+ Practice a few restorative yoga poses

Create Daily Rituals

One of the challenges of working from home is that you don’t have a physical separation from work. One of my favorite daily rituals was changing into my pajama pants after work. Now that I’m working from home, I wear yoga pants during the day and change into my pajamas to signal the end of the work day. You can also try using an essential oil diffuser, candle, or aromatherapy spray to signal the beginning and end of the workday. The co-author of Joy at Work, Scott Sonenshein, walks to the end of the block and then back home at the start and end of his workday. His kids also join him so they get a sense of walking to virtual school and then walking back home.

Find a Self-Care Practice That Sparks Joy

Expand your self-care habit by finding a hobby that becomes the bright spot in your day. Different forms of exercise can be a fulfilling hobby, such as yoga and running. You might also enjoy reading, cooking, crafting, or putting together puzzles. Setting aside time in your day for fun and enjoyment is restorative.

Whenever you find or make time to practice self-care, take a moment to thank yourself. A gratitude practice can be that simple. Not only will this reinforce taking time for yourself, but it will also boost your levels of happiness. The simple act of reading a post like this allows you to pause. It’s a quiet moment of self-care. So thank you!

Learn more about the wellness services (yoga + KonMari tidying) provided by Joy + Space

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