A little self-care never did do anyone any harm.
We all have those moments when we need a little pick me up. And it can be just that, little. We don’t need to book a spa weekend. In fact, there’s space in things that you’re probably already doing. You can make a conscious decision to turn your everyday things into a small moment of self-care.
Nourish…
Choose food that nourishes you. Your heart, your mind, and your belly. Something that activates your superpowers for the day. Take a second when you’re eating to appreciate the flavours and the textures. Enjoy it.
YIMSP hack: Connect with others and share a meal with a friend.
Breathe…
Take deep, meaningful breaths. It slows us down. Calms us. We love taking this yoga ritual off the mat. Whether you’re sat in traffic, or simply waiting for the kettle to boil. Try to take one big, deep breath and spend a moment with yourself.
“[Deep breathing for one-minute] can help with increasing concentration and sustained attention, and can help increase your "comfort relaxation, pleasantness, vigor and alertness".”
– (Source: https://www.fitandwell.com/news/a-one-minute-breathing-exercise-to-make-you-less-stressed-and-how-it-works).
YIMSP hack: Close your eyes.
Rest...
Listen to your body and what it needs. Give into the feeling of needing a lie down, taking five or a deep sleep, if you can. Allow restoration. If you have a little more time, try a yin yoga practice.
YIMSP hack: Combine your sleep with fresh bedding and clean sheets for an extra restful experience.
Bathe…
Preparing a bath time ritual. Turning on the hot tap. Selecting our favourite essential oils, salts or bath bombs. Gently adding them to the running water. Finding our fluffiest towel. Sinking into the bliss that is our own, personal bathing recipe. After just minutes in the tub, we will always feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
YIMSP hack: Try a lavender scented oil.
Connect...
A smile can completely change your day. We love to smile at people to show that we’re happy about something or someone. Stop to acknowledge someone or say thank you. Take that extra moment to notice the people around you.
It’s not only others we can connect to but nature, to the earth, to our surroundings.
Go for a walk in the fresh air, alone. Sometimes, we don’t realise how much we need to get away from the hustle and bustle. Disconnect from your phones and reconnect with our surroundings and ourselves.
Tune in to the present moment.
YIMSP hack: Take some time with no technology.
Stretch...
Moving your body after a long time sat still can make us feel less tense. It doesn’t have to take long. Stretch your arms above your head. Take two minutes to sit in child’s pose. Make space.
YIMSP hack: Move your body instinctively, however it feels best in this moment.
Every day you’ll eat, rest, wash. Why not bring some superpower into your life by noticing each step and making the most of it? There are simple pleasures in everyday things and so much joy to be found in them. Practice this superpower. Notice how it makes you feel.
