Hey everyone,

I hope this post finds you well, wherever you are. Today, I want to dive deep into a topic that’s close to my heart — self-care. It’s a buzzword we hear a lot these days, but what does it really mean, and how do we truly practice it? Grab yourself a cozy cup of tea, sit back, and let’s chat about my self-care journey.

I believe self-care is like a fingerprint — unique to each person. What works for one might not work for another, and that’s perfectly fine. The story of how I discovered my self-care regime involves a lot of trial and error, a sprinkle of humor, and a whole lot of honesty. So, let’s start from the top.

It all began a few years back when I was juggling a stressful job, a whirlwind social life, and trying to catch my breath in between. I was always on the go, and though from the outside, it seemed like I had it all together, on the inside, I was close to running on empty.

The turning point came one Saturday morning. I woke up exhausted despite having had a full night’s sleep. My body felt heavy, and so did my heart. It was clear: I needed to change something, but I didn’t know where to start.

First, I tried the classic bubble bath. Candles, bath bombs, relaxing music – the whole shebang. There’s something truly transformative about the warmth of the water and the way it can make you feel buoyant. As I sank into that fragrant pool of lavender and chamomile, it hit me – self-care is not a one-off event; it’s a continuous commitment to myself.

However, it wasn’t just about baths. I began experimenting with different forms of self-care to see what truly resonated with me. Here are some of the things I tried and the lessons I learned along the way:

1. The Magic of Morning Rituals:
I read somewhere that the first hour of your day sets the tone for the rest of it. Curious, I started waking up half an hour earlier to embrace a new routine. Instead of rushing to check my phone, I’d meditate. Nothing too complicated – just 10 minutes of mindfulness. This stillness, this act of allowing myself to be present, became a cornerstone of my self-care practice. On days when meditation felt difficult, I’d turn to journaling – spilling my thoughts on paper, clearing my mind, and setting intentions for the day. The feel of the pen gliding over the paper, the quiet moments of introspection – it was all so soul-soothing.

2. Rediscovering Movement:
For a while, exercise felt like a chore. But I knew it was essential for my well-being. I tried various activities – running, Pilates, Zumba – and eventually, I found my love for yoga. There was something profoundly therapeutic about connecting with my body through movement and breath. On days when I felt less motivated, even a simple walk in the park made a difference. It wasn’t about burning calories but about feeling alive, reconnecting with nature, and giving my mind a break.

3. Culinary Therapy:
I’ve always been a foodie, but I began to see cooking in a new light. Instead of rushing through meals, I gave myself permission to savor the process. I experimented with new recipes, played around with flavors, and genuinely enjoyed the act of preparing a meal. There’s something meditative about chopping vegetables, stirring a pot, and finally sitting down to relish the fruits of your labor. Feeding myself became an act of love and care.

4. Digital Detox:
Our lives are so intertwined with technology, and while it brings us many conveniences, it can also be overwhelming. I started implementing regular digital detoxes. It began with small steps – no screens an hour before bedtime, app limits, and designated ‘no phone’ times during weekends. The noise started to fade, and I found myself more present, more connected to the real world. It was liberating.

5. Indulging in Hobbies:
Amidst the rush of life, we often neglect our hobbies. For me, painting used to be a passion that I sidelined owing to ‘real life’ obligations. One evening, I looked at my dusty set of paints and decided it was time to reconnect. Dipping my brush into vibrant colors and letting my imagination run free felt euphoric. Whether it was painting, reading, or gardening, I realized that indulging in hobbies wasn’t ‘wasting time’ but nurturing my soul.

6. Setting Boundaries:
Saying ‘no’ was perhaps the hardest yet the most liberating change I made in my self-care journey. I was always a people pleaser, afraid of letting anyone down. But constantly putting others first drained me. Slowly, I learned to set boundaries, to prioritize my needs without guilt. It was challenging, but the sheer freedom and energy it brought into my life were worth it.

7. Surrounding Myself with Positivity:
Our environment significantly impacts our mental state. I began surrounding myself with things that sparked joy – be it rearranging my space to make it cozier, filling it with plants, or hanging up inspiring quotes. More importantly, I became mindful of the company I kept. Spending time with positive, uplifting people made all the difference. As the saying goes, ‘You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.’

8. Embracing Imperfections:
Last but not least, I learned to be kinder to myself. There were days when I faltered, when my anxieties got the best of me, or when I simply didn’t follow through with my self-care rituals. Instead of reprimanding myself, I embraced these moments. I reminded myself that self-care isn’t about perfection but about progress, about continuously choosing to love and care for oneself despite the ups and downs.

To everyone reading this, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that self-care is an ongoing, evolving journey, not a destination. It’s about listening to your heart, respecting your needs, and giving yourself the grace to grow and change.

Thank you for joining me on this incredibly personal exploration of self-care. I hope my experiences resonate with you and perhaps inspire you to embark on your own self-care journey with an open heart. Remember, you deserve all the love and care you so freely give to others.

Here’s to being kinder to ourselves, one day at a time.

With love,
Tina