Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

The pure joy of timely self-care.

You know how it feels when you've got a plan, and it all comes together, and everything works out. That's exactly how self-care can be.

I just got back from the most glorious massage. I do a lot of myofascial work with my massage therapist, and boy, I did need that today.

I have been traveling for the past two weeks and I have been on every kind of transportation imaginable, from airplanes to trains to automobiles to cruise ships. 

Before I left, I scheduled this appointment, expecting to need it when I returned, which I did. The fact that I can walk, twist, and stand upright again seems like a miracle in itself.

What do you do to look after you?

“Oh, I'll do that later.”, or “ I'll get to it when I really need it.” The time for you to do it is before you really need it because that is when we need to put everything in place to ensure that our bodies and brains function at their best.

Here are some ideas on how you can incorporate self-care into your routine:

1. Take a walk outside: Even a short walk outside can do wonders for your mental health and well-being. Take a few minutes to get outside, breathe some fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

2. Practice deep breathing: When you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths to help calm your mind and body. Close your eyes, inhale deeply, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly.

3. Listen to your favorite music: Listening to music can help reduce stress and anxiety. Create a playlist of your favorite songs and listen to it when you need to unwind.

4. Take a relaxing bath: A warm bath can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. Add some epsom salt or essential oils to the water to enhance the experience.

5. Practice gratitude: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for. This can help shift your focus from the stresses of daily life to the positive things in your life.

Remember, self-care doesn't have to be time-consuming or expensive. Even small acts of self-care can make a big difference in your mental and emotional well-being. Find what works for you and make self-care a priority, even on the busiest of days.

Start out by doing something that doesn't seem like a chore. And then improve 1% from there, just like we do with our food, take it 1% at a time. And I want you to know the importance of taking that time for your self-care because you matter, you are important, and you are worth it.