Photo credit: Logan Nolin – Unsplash
Self-care is a term that is used a lot these days. When we take the time to explore the depths of self-care, we help ourselves create environments that support our long-term well-being. And it’s clear we all need to practice self-care consistently.
Self-care can be challenging even when everything is going smoothly and your emotions are well-managed. It can get harder during times of change, stress or anxiety, but this is when it’s even more important to lean into self-care that supports well-being and our truest selves.
Keep It Simple
Self-care doesn’t have to be complex, expensive, or time-consuming. Look at working it into your regular schedule and days rather than something you need to set time aside for or be an “over there” thing that seems just out of reach. Self-care can be done throughout the day in little spurts to maintain your energy where you want it to be and to reset or change states when needed or required.
It’s also very personal and has to work for you and your current state and self. Not everything will work the same for everyone.
It can be as simple as asking yourself, “What do I need in this moment?” or “What can I do that is loving and/or supportive to me?”
Pause, breathe, connect with yourself, pay attention and offer loving kindness. This is the perfect time to start asking yourself what you need in the moment and adapting your self-care practices.
When Self-Care is Hard
If you are struggling with self-care, focus on simplifying and lowering and removing barriers to action. “What is the simplest thing I can do for my self-care right now?” Take a very simple action now and worry about how you don’t want to do it later.
There is a reason it is called a practice. This means we can get better at it all the time, and we can try different things to make it work for us. Practice doesn’t make perfect, practice is perfect! Self-care is an unending element that allows us to feel and embrace self-love.
Practice Self-Care in Community
If you’re a member of Athena Village, join the monthly Self-Care Connection Salon to enhance self-care, have life-giving connections, and invoke self-love.
Through interactive sessions, we will look into simplifying and integrating self-care practices into our daily routines. Let’s come together to explore and connect with each other and self-care. We will talk a little, reflect a little, and have space to actively practice self-care together. Some things we can focus on include:
Creating and/or simplifying your self-care practices to create more ease around caring for yourself
Having open discussions around the benefits, challenges, and nuances of self-care
Tools and practices to help with integrating self-care into your daily routines during the holidays and beyond
I look forward to connecting with you there!
Rachelle Niemann
compassionate. holder of space. heart-connected.
calm.
“I deeply understand how the support of a heart-centered and giving community can elevate us as individuals. When individuals are elevated, a ripple effect is created, and we all benefit. Creating heart-centered and supportive environments is my truest work.”
| Rachelle Niemann is an author, member of the Athena Village Council who leads the monthly Self-Care Connection Salon. Learn more about her at RachelleNiemann.com. |