“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” ~ Sharon Salzberg, New York Times Best Selling Author

In my coaching practice it is common for people to think they should do certain things to practice self-care, such as prayer, meditation, yoga or journaling. All of these are excellent practices to be sure.

The reality is that what restores us is as individual as our thumbprints.

What you do to restore yourself is strictly a matter of your own individual needs.

For most of us, restoration incorporates a mix of rest, emotional sustenance, intellectual challenge and spiritual fulfillment. Emotional sustenance is the most abstract of these needs. Usually it involves emotional intimacy, personal pleasure and sexual satisfaction.

Which activities will you use to restore yourself?

Here is a list of restoring activities to get you started thinking about what YOU need.

Body

  1. Sleeping
  2. Resting
  3. Grooming
  4. Sensual activities
  5. Relaxation
  6. Massage
  7. Baths
  8. Stretching
  9. Sexual pleasure
  10. A new haircut
  11. A new style
  12. New jewelry or accessories
  13. Back rubs
  14. Foot rubs
  15. Sleeping in
  16. Nice clothes
  17. Hugs
  18. Holding hands
  19. A long shower
  20. Snuggling

Mind

  1. Reading
  2. Learning something new
  3. Creating
  4. Reflecting
  5. Having an adventure
  6. Writing
  7. Time alone
  8. Yoga
  9. A new interest
  10. Gardening
  11. Being outdoor
  12. Listening
  13. Talking
  14. Cooking
  15. Cleaning
  16. Journal writing
  17. Dreaming
  18. Fixing things
  19. Calling a friend

Spirit

  1. Meditation
  2. Singing
  3. Nature
  4. Art
  5. Crying
  6. Music
  7. Dance
  8. Laughing
  9. Belonging to a community
  10. Poetry
  11. Intimacy
  12. Time with animals
  13. Prayer
  14. Inspiring reading
  15. Journal writing

It can feel difficult at first to find/make the time to restore ourselves when we are used to being too busy. The job. The commute. The kids. The partner. The friends. The bills. The exercise routine. It feels like there’s no time left over for refueling ourselves.

Sometimes it requires a lifestyle adjustment to rearrange your life so that you have time to restore yourself. Making concrete changes gives you the structure you need to support your decision to make your life better. Here are some common types of lifestyle changes that pave the way to achieving time for restoration and, ultimately, happiness.

  •         Rearrange your priorities
  •         Find a job with a shorter commute
  •         Exercise during your lunch hour to give you more time in the evening
  •         Work on finding solutions in your home life that will end family turmoil
  •         Hire help with your business
  •         Find a new job that gives you more meaning in your life
  •         Let go of things that are not necessary (adding value to your life)
  •         Hire a child care provider to give you more time with your partner

When you find what you need in terms of self-care, your situation will be different. You will be able to express the strength, goodness and wisdom that already exists within you with your own personal flair for living.

Imagine your life with balance and restoration.

At the end of the day, as you turn out the light, you reflect on your day with a sense of completeness and gratitude. You experienced dignity and security throughout the day because you attended to the myriad needs of your body, mind and spirit. You have created a life that is truly beautiful.

What self-care practices restore balance for you? Please comment below…

 

Are you ready to Unleash your most Authentic Self?