We have been enlightened to the idea of self-care over the last decade, maybe even two, The global wellness industry has reached $5.6 trillion, according to a 2023 study by the Global Wellness Institute and is expected to reach 8.5 trillion in 2027.
Yet, how many of us really have a steady workout routine or healthy diet? Unfortunately, probably not that many.
I struggled with this for so many years while I was dealing with unresolved childhood trauma (still working on that) and chronic stress. I would go to the gym or a yoga class or get a massage or get my nails done and feel good but then I would walk out of there and go right back into the stress of my daily life and inevitably lose the time or money that I had set aside for self-care. It happens, but if you are really committed to your mental, emotional and physical health you will have to find a way to make self-care stick.
The best advice that I received for this came from 2 books that I highly recommend to anyone looking to learn how to de-stress their lives.
Here were my take aways:
- Faux Self-Care was something that I was at first offended by as a yoga teacher because the idea that yoga could be anything faux is outrageous. But, I also had a faux practice for many years until I found a way to create a real life practice for myself at home. Studios were way too expensive as someone who always had more than one job and when I worked outside my home I just did not have enough time to get to any classes. Building in real and not faux exercise practices is the only way to receive any real and lasting results and benefits. For me, yoga is a way outside of my circling thoughts and endless to-do lists. Time on my mat is time that I use to focus on something physical, my body moving and my breath in and out, instead of all the worry, fear and self-doubt that weighed so heavy on me and still creeps up.
- Making the things that you love real habits. Habits are typically things that we are trying to break, but thinking of making healthy habits something that is necessary for sustainable life change is something I really took to heart. I made small changes that I really could make habits, like taking my vitamins everyday and drinking 64 oz of water. I started small and considered doable things that I could fit into my week without me having to go out of my way or spend any more money and I just kept filling my week with self-care additions.
Here’s my sustainable self-care list:
- I set a goal for water and I fill my 32 oz water bottle daily, aiming to refill it at least once.
- I have my essential oil diffuser on all day while I work from home, this can also be done after you get home from work to create a relaxing environment. This helps lifts my spirits and gives me something to look forward to because I usually do 2 different scents per day and mixing them brings me a little joy that I didn’t have in my days before I started this habit. It also makes my house smell good, which makes me less focused on the fact that my house isn’t perfectly clean and it takes me out of my terrorizing inner thoughts for long enough to be productive doing other things.
- I bought an under the desk walking pad so that I can go for a walk even when the weather is bad. Living in New York means that the weather doesn’t usually make it easy for me to go for walks outside since it’s either too cold, too rainy or too buggy. Now, I have a goal of 3 miles per day Monday-Friday and this adds so much more body movement to my life.
- I start my day with writing. I love to write so whether I’m writing a blog post, fiction or just editing something I’ve already written, I start my day with something I truly love and it sets a good mood for my morning.
- I signed up for one in-person yoga class a week with an instructor who brings good vibes to my life and boosts my personal practice, which I do at home on my own most of the time.
- I started a book club with my librarian friends that meets once a month so that I can have some planned social time on my calendar since, as an adult with a kid, it’s nearly impossible to make friend-dates. This is a fun way to make sure that I can get together with friends every month.
These are just some ideas that I had to make my wellness a priority and to create lasting habits. I challenge you to write down 3-5 things that are doable for you!
