September Self-Care
How does this month find you so far?
The lazy dog days of summer are sunny memories as we flow closer towards Autumn.
For many, this month brings about a new wave of change in schedules and routines.
This can be a challenge with integrating the aspect of time management and trying to ‘fit everything in’ during the day; yet trying not to lose the essence and lightness of summer energy.
One thing that should not be forgotten or pushed to the backburner during this time is ‘Self-Care’.
Self-Care IS NOT Selfish.
Self-Care IS NOT a guilty investment of time or energy.
Self-Care can be a TWO-minute investment of time that leads to a LIFE-CHANGING experience.
I like to call self-care rituals: ‘Bookend Rituals’
These are non-negotiable aspects of self-care.
A non-negotiable means that it is a part of your routine that will not be compromised. The way I view a non-negotiable is that it is just as essential as food, water and sleep. We know we need these foundational pillars to keep us ticking. We can’t go without food, hydration or sleep for too long (we try to push the limit, sometimes too long)
With the bookend rituals, we look at what can recharge and jumpstart our day in the morning and we look at what can help us unwind and ground down in the evening.
What type of morning and evening bookend rituals
can you integrate into your days?
Here are few tools to explore on your SELF-CARE JOURNEY:
Don’t hop right onto social media or email first thing in the morning.
Early morning is a sacred time to ease into waking hours. Take at least 30 minutes to ease into the ‘external connection’ with the world.
Start your day with a cup of warm water with a slice of lemon.
You can also add a kick with a capful of apple cider vinegar and a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra zing of energy! This is a natural way to jumpstart your digestive enzymes for the day & to naturally detox your liver.
Shake it up!
Movement mobilizes toxins! Exercise regularly to gently release toxins through skin via sweat and jumpstarts the Lymphatic System.
Turn on your favorite song and let loose. It doesn’t need to be graceful, just MOVE that goddess body! My favorite daily remedy is jumping on a REBOUNDER! I keep one in my office, take a pause every few hours, turn on an upbeat song and JUMP! It revitalizes my body and mind.
Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil packs offer many benefits to the body including gastrointestinal remedy, supports lowering cholesterol levels in the body, antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal), anti-inflammatory and can support inflamed joints due to arthritis or overuse, immune system and lymphatic stimulant
Add plenty of color to your plate.
Foods rich in color (natural color, that is) means it is rich in chlorophyll from the leaves feed the blood, and help your body flush out toxins from summer fun. They are also rich in antioxidants to flush out free radicals, boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
SWEAT with an infrared sauna session.
Sweating is the body’s safe and natural way to heal & stay healthy. Far infrared heats the body directly causing a rise in core temperature resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level, where toxins reside. Read more about the benefits of an infrared sauna here!
Soak in a hot bath.
To boost the cleansing effects, just add a cup of Epsom salt, Himalayan salt or baking soda. These alkalize the water to help neutralize acidic toxins. Epsom salt help your body to absorb magnesium which neutralizes acidic toxins, relaxes muscles and is required by hundreds of functions. Relax and breathe while you soak.
Write it Out.
Take time to reflect on the day, emotions, feelings, worries, fears, dreams, visions…Let it flow! Write with no judgement. This is a beautiful exercise to practice in the morning and evening (just upon rising and just before going to bed).