Did you know that September is Self-Care Awareness Month? Thirty days of #treatyoself, right ladies? Well, maybe not.
The self-care and wellness industry has downright exploded, with an expected $2.3 trillion in growth expected by the end of 2023. That’s a LOT of money! But despite what goop might try and tell you (and sell you), self-care does not have to be an expensive, all-day endeavor. At its most basic, self-care is simple – the actions you take to renew your spirit that leave you feeling like your best possible self.
You can sneak moments of self-care into your everyday life.
The school pick up lane? Sure! The precious 10 minutes before everyone wakes up in the morning? Absolutely. Sitting in the driveway before you gather the strength to go inside? We’ve all been there. So, with that in mind, here are some suggestions to celebrate Self-Care September that you might not have considered.
Pick an intentional word for the month.
STRENGTH. PEACE. UNITY. CALM. Choose any word you want that’s easy to remember. Channel your energy into action and use it as a guide for how your spend your time and thoughts.
Focus on activities that fill your cup.
Maybe this month, self-care looks like saying “no” to activities that don’t serve you! Life is just too short to do things you don’t want to do. Instead of falling victim to outside obligations, take a moment to evaluate how you’re spending your free time. Let go of the “extras” that don’t leave you feeling recharged.
Listen to your body’s messages.
Are you sleeping well?
Are you eating a balanced diet?
Is your jaw perpetually clenched?
Are you slumping in your chair?
Take time to notice and hear the things your body is trying to communicate. And then, adjust accordingly. And maybe get a massage… in the name of self-care!
Practice mini moments of mindfulness.
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. For example, are you a coffee drinker? Try this sequence next time you brew your morning coffee. Smell the coffee grounds as you scoop them into the basket and take note of how the scent changes as it percolates. Feel the smooth handle of your favorite mug. Take note of the creamer swirling into the deep color of your coffee. All of a sudden, the mindless routine of making coffee is a playground for mindfulness! Take these minutes to start your day on a calm and assured note.
Indulge – as much or as little as feels right.
To me, indulgence is a large Diet Cherry Limeade from Sonic and taking the scenic route home. Maybe to you, it’s buying the good ice cream. Splurging on a pedicure or a boutique Pilates class. Taking an extra long, hot bath. You do so much for other people that it is OK to do something for yourself. You’ve earned it and so much more.
Bottom line, self-care isn’t the products you buy, and it’s totally fine if your version of self-care doesn’t look like that of your friends. It’s an individualized experience that can really be whatever fills your cup – no judgement! How do YOU plan to honor your own self-care this month? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.
