Self-care is the Best Care

WHY SELF-CARE IS NECESSARY

If we don’t put our oxygen mask on first, we can’t help someone else with theirs. It’s common sense, yet somewhere along the way, most of us neglect one or more critical aspects of our own person, tending to prioritize the needs of others first. The neglect of self-care can result in low self esteem, negative thought patterns, destructive habits and general or severe depression. Conversely, when we tune in to our own well being and prioritize even small acts of self-care across our entire spectrum, we can create joy, improved self worth, energy and abundance.

WHAT IS SELF-CARE?

Self-care can be any aspect of caring for ourselves which preserves feelings of self esteem and overall well being, or results in improved feelings or state of mind, especially acts which have long term benefits.

Total self-care involves awareness and nurturing of our total being. This includes activities which promote wellness across all planes. When we fail to care for any aspect of our being over a period of time, we become subject to imbalance, physical ailments or illness, mood swings and depression. Take a minute and think about how you care and nurture for your:

• Spiritual Self
• Physical Self
• Intellectual Self
• Emotional Self
• Sexual Self

Most of us want to take greater care of ourselves but creating new habits is hard. Remember self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

The following posts delve into a list of things you can do for your body and mind.

CARING FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL SELF

• Set an intention for the hour/day or week/month
• Discover and nurture your unique purpose towards a greater good
• Consciously choose gratitude
• Meditate for 5 or 10 minutes a day
• Mindful activity – be entirely present in each moment
• Prayer
• Clear your space
• Unplug from technology
• Practice Forgiveness
• Surround yourself with nature

CARING FOR YOUR PHYSICAL SELF

• Hydrate – drink at least ½ – 1 whole gallon of water each day
• Bathe
  • Epsom Salts
  • Healing Salts
  • Aromatherapy
  • Cleansers / Exfoliants
  • Oils / Moisturizers
• Hair Care
  • Shampoos and Conditioners
  • Cuts and Colors
  • Styling Aids
• Manicure / Pedicure
• Skin Care / Facials
• Massage
• Fitness
  • Cardio
  • Strength Training
  • Resistance Training
  • Stretching
  • Balance
  • Yoga
  • Foam roll
• Healthy Diet / Nutrition
• Set aside at least 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep time each day, this can (and often should) include naps

CARING FOR YOUR INTELLECTUAL SELF

• Read
• Learn a new skill (foreign language, musical instrument, how to train your dog)
• DIY projects
• Puzzles/games
• Write (creative or business)
• Set attainable goals

CARING FOR YOUR EMOTIONAL SELF

• Acknowledge, accept and feel your feelings without judgment or shame
• Share your feelings with others when appropriate
• Identify your needs and wants
• Express your needs
• Set healthy boundaries
  • be okay saying no to things you don’t want to do
  • Say yes to things which make you feel good / bring joy
• Journal
• Stop apologizing for things outside of your control (like the weather) and things you aren’t (or shouldn’t be) sorry for
• Allow time for creativity, whether it’s art, music, dance, writing, or all of the above.

CARING FOR YOUR SEXUAL SELF

• Discover what turns you on without shame or judgment
• Acknowledge and accept feelings of desire when they surface
• Masturbate
• Embrace the health and pleasure benefits of personal lubricants
• Introduce and explore different sex toys
• Ask your partner(s) to try new things
• Tell your partner(s) what you like and what you don’t like
• Read (or listen to) an erotic novel
• Watch porn
• Wash, moisturize and groom your erogenous zones
• Do regular exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor
• Exercise vaginal muscles
• Give yourself affirmations about your sexuality

We also recognize that many of these self-care practices fall into multiple categories. For example, napping can be physical, emotional, intellectual, and even sexual.

It is our hope that some items on one of the lists will inspire you to take better care of yourself. You deserve it.

Love,

Wicked Sensual Care