There are so many ways to take care of yourself. You can start by getting a good night’s sleep at least 7-8 hours, eating nourishing healthy foods with balanced meals and limiting sugar and alcohol. You can get enough exercise throughout your day either by going for walks or taking a yoga class, maybe even barre, or spinning (whatever suits your fancy). These are some of the main ways to nurture yourself – sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
If we dive a little deeper – how can we show up in ways that are nurturing ourselves from the inside out? To make more time for meditation, to slow-down and enjoy each meal, to be mindful when working out and staying present in the moment, to find gratitude with all that encompasses our life that brings us joy. If we go even deeper to the recess of our minds – how can you nurture yourself in a way that supports positive thoughts and well-being? It all begins with a thought, imagine being your parents guiding you throughout your day – in a non-judgmental way, in a way that is supportive and nurturing. In a way that guides you to be your better self. If you find that you don’t nurture your body through regular exercise, healthy meals, or restful sleep than start there.
Start with the bigger blocks and work your way down. Once you can get that in check with your routine then you can move on to the next layer – incorporating meditation, mindfulness, gratitude, take up journaling and do more yoga. Once you move through this layer it will be easier to unravel your mind to find your thoughts. What thoughts persist? What habits arise based on how you generally think? Strip away the negativity, the toxic criticism that flows through, let it all go and see what you are left with. A clear and calm mind, nurtured by yourself, and when you have a calm and clear mind it’s easier to make healthy choices such as choosing veggies over pizza, going to bed regularly at the same time, and by adding more good into your life that allows you to focus on the positive. It’s important to prioritize your own well-being and have that be at the top of your list. Sometimes we put ourselves all the way at the bottom and make ourselves feel small and unimportant. You are important since this is YOUR life.
Find ways to add more relaxation in, more self-care practices, and just find ways to nurture yourself – however that looks in your life, however joy feels in your body, and however happy takes its place in your mind. Search for it, incorporate it, and live it! Nurture Yourself. Imagine yourself as a gardener – tend to that soil, rake the leaves, add some seeds for growth, and sprinkle it with water to watch it grow and blossom into something beautiful. Nurture your garden.