How to turn what you already do into self-care

I know, “self-care” is a huge topic right now. It’s yet another thing we add to our to-do list to keep us healthy both mentally and physically. But for most of us... self-care is at the end of that list. Fist of all, there is no shame in it being that low on the totem pole. It’s on the bottom of my totem pole I can tell you that for sure!

What happens though when we fail at completing that self-care task? Do we beat ourselves up? Do we feel even more stressed and feel less cared for because we “failed”?  With all these questions in your mind, I want to take a moment to promise you that this post is not just another “5 - minute self care practice”, or anything like what you’ve seen on Pinterest before. This tip is different because it takes absolutely no extra time out of your day. What I am going to show you is that you already have a self-care practice, you just don’t think about it in the right way.

say what?

Yes, you already honor yourself in some way. I know you do. Do you have anything that’s even remotely “fancy” in your life that you do? Maybe you have a hair masque you love, a special breakfast you make after a workout, an extensive skincare routine, or a special candle you burn in the evenings. Or, maybe you’re like me (and most of the world) and have a special way you make coffee or tea in the morning. All these things are specific to you. You chose them for a reason. You chose the process, the products, and the timing all because they make you happy and they offer you some benefit. You already do the legwork, now it’s time to make it work for your emotional health too and turn it into self-care.

here comes the lesson in mindfulness

So, how do we do this? Let’s take my example from before: MORNING BEVERAGES (quite possibly my favorite part of the day).

I love coffee. I also love tea. For me, each one has their specific place in my life, it just depends on what day it is. Coffee days are most often weekdays, the days when I need to get stuff done! Call me a coffee snob, whatever, but I love French Presses. I have two actually... one makes my coffee, and one makes my tea. Let’s talk coffee first though.  After trying a few coffee devices that didn't work out the best/didn't last, I did my research, asked coffee friends for advice, and made the choice to purchase a double walled Insulated, stainless steel French Press from Bodum. This thing allows me to brew coffee ONCE and drink it hot ALL morning, a very important part of a busy day.  Each time I make coffee, I make notes in my mind about the beautiful French press, the smell of the beans, the sound my grinder makes, how fast my water boiler works, and the feel of pressing down to filter the perfect cup.  All these steps would happen no matter what, but thinking about them in a deeper and more appreciative way does not take any more time.  All I am doing is changing my mindset.  Instead of thinking about my to-do list as I make coffee, I am simply putting off those thoughts for a few minutes, and being mindful and PRESENT as I make coffee, letting it become an art form.

Just like my coffee, my tea has a special "art" too. Tea tends to be more relaxing for me, and is thus saved for the weekends or days off with my hubby.  I have a gorgeous gold press for my loose leaf tea and the same mental notes happen here too.  I admire the color of the press, the shapes of the tea leaves, the sound the water makes as it fills the carafe, the steam hitting my face, and the color changes of the steeping tea.  Again, all those steps would happen no matter what, but being mindful of what is happening and what you are doing makes the difference.

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have I lost you yet?

I sure hope not.  I know this tip sounds silly at first, but think about it...  All I am asking you to try is change the way you think about your face wash, your candles, your conditioner, even your scrambled eggs.  All you need to do is be more mindful.  Although these daily acts are simple, they are repeated for a reason: they give us comfort, love, satisfaction, etc.  Let those feelings bubble up even more and enjoy not only the final product but the PROCESS you took to get there.  Those 5 - 10 NOT extra minutes will definitely change your day.