November is Self-Care Month

I think I’m going crazy!!

On top of all the foolishness that is going on in the world, I have to cope with working from home; supervising three children of different ages with their virtual schooling; cook; clean; and figure out how we’re going to survive if I lose my job!

Sometimes I feel that I can’t breathe.

I’m hearing this over and over these days.

So, things are getting somewhat overwhelming at the moment. Time to do some self-care.

What?! Where on earth will I get time to look after myself?

Honey, looking after yourself doesn’t have to take more than a few minutes at a time. The payoff is that the more you nurture yourself, the more you will have to give to others.

Let’s see what are some simple things that you could do to reduce the stress and fill you up again.

• Breathe. Yes. Stop. Take 10 slow, deep breaths from all the way down in your abdomen. Exhale slowly, slowly. Remind yourself that your breath is your connection to life. Once you can breathe you are alive. There is no shortage of air for you to breathe. Everybody in the whole world is breathing at the same time and there is enough air. Notice that you can do this anytime you want. Watch your body relax as you do this.
• Light a candle and/or incense stick. Choose a scent that calms you when you need calming. Choose one that raises your spirits when you feel down. Sometimes choose one that makes you feel sexy! Put these wherever you are – including the bathroom and bedroom. A bonus is that the effects will extend to others in the space. If you need help with choosing let me know and we will go into more detail during the month.
• Wash your hair, put on some lipstick and perfume. Even if you’re not going anywhere! Okay, that was aimed at the ladies but the same principle applies to the gents. You are more likely to feel good if you look good. My favourite is red lipstick and White Linen. What’s yours? What makes you feel like a million dollars?
• When things get really hairy take 5mins and write out your feelings. Let it all out. Don’t stop to think. Just write. Don’t think you have time for this? How about just before you go to bed? Or sitting on the toilet (with the door locked if you have young children LOL)
• Play your favourite music for at least half an hour every day. If possible, dance!
• Call a friend who you know will make you smile.
• Put on a comedy show that will make you laugh – even late at night when everybody is sleeping.
• Practise Laughter Yoga. The benefits are physical and emotional. If you would like to know more about this, let me know.
• Ask for help at least once a fortnight – to look after the children, etc. – and go for a drive all by yourself.
• If at all possible, go outside. Look at the trees and the flowers. Breathe in the air. Notice the sky. Ground yourself.
• Affirmations. Train yourself to catch yourself whenever you start going down the rabbit hole of stress and overwhelm. Switch to your favourite affirmations. My favourite is: The Universe Supports and Nurtures Me and All My Needs Are Met. Or, I May not have all that I Want but I have All that I Need. Find one that really resonates with you. Notice that all this takes place in your head. You can do this while doing whatever activities you have to do.
• Develop a daily gratitude practice. Start with yourself. Be thankful for your breath; your heartbeat; your senses; your body. The more you do this, the more things you will find to be grateful for. This is a game changer so we will do a lot more of this in the following weeks.

Notice that most of these take 5 to 10 minutes! Many can be done while you go about your usual routine. Try them and let me know what works for you. And if you have other things that work for you please share! We could all use some help here.

If you would like more support and in depth coaching contact me at: cheryl@thinkittalkit.com I  would love to hold your hand as you find your way to your most vibrant self. All my coaching is online so it doesn’t matter where you live.