Today, the term selfcare is often used loosely. However, taking the term seriously enough to put it into ongoing spiritual, physical and emotional practices can sometimes be easier said than done. With the various ongoing stress stemming from 2020 (and before), individuals have to learn to practice selfcare in the physical sense. Whether being a busy parent, helping aging parents, focusing on career or growing romantic relationships- finding time to take care of yourself can be hard to do.
Webster Dictionary’s definition of selfcare is ‘care for oneself’. That is a simple definition, if we stop and think about it. Selfcare really means doing things to take care of you. It can seem selfish when there are so many other things to do, right? Well, that is okay, too. One definition of selfish according to Oxford Languages is ‘lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one’s own personal profit or pleasure’. If you understand this definition, you will understand being selfish and selfcare go hand-in-hand.
Selfcare can be selfish, which is okay, but it may also be necessary. If you are not good for yourself or to yourself, you cannot be that way with others. Selfcare does not have to take a long time and there are some behaviors you can practice every day.
The book, ‘The Miracle Morning’, written by Hal Elrod is a number one bestselling book and has been translated into over 37 languages worldwide. It is used by parents, busy adults, and successful professionals giving readers simple tasks to reduce stress.
When starting this practice, start with at least 10 minutes. If you are short on time, you can do fewer minutes. Keep in mind, one-minute practices are the minimum for finding success when using this concept. This success-building idea has an acronym of S.A.V.E.R.S. (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Read, Scribe): This is what you should know regarding the conceptual meanings:
Silence– Meditating, Prayer, Deep Breathing. Sit in silence and focus on finding good. Work on blocking out the external noise and focus on staying calm.
Affirmations– Encouraging words you tell yourself to cope with and maneuver life’s ups and downs. An example is, ‘I am Adaptable.”
Visualization– Imagine yourself achieving your goals and see the steps it takes to accomplish those goals. This is a time to use the power of your inner child’s imagination.
Exercise– Find a way to move your body. You can choose from walking, running, swimming, dancing, yoga, biking, strength training etc. The goal is to move your body every day.
Read– Whether it is a motivational book or magazine, find time for inspirational reading. Avoid technology, as this decreases your digital wellbeing.
Scribe– Write something! Journaling, playwriting, blogging and to-do lists are ideas. Getting things out of your head and onto paper makes it real, desires, thus finding life solutions.
This book is meant to transform your life before 8 a.m. For people with limited morning time, the ideas of this book- turned movie and worldwide movement- can be done at any time throughout the day. You can sit in silence in the morning, exercise in the afternoon, and scribe at night. That is up to you. As long as you are getting in each concept for a minimum of one minute daily, you will be on a road to mastering your own personal selfcare on a consistent basis.
In addition to practicing S.A.V.E.R.S daily, you can include all of your favorite activities such as hanging with friends and family, going out to nice restaurants, hot baths, rebuilding your car, or laying on your couch watching movies and relaxing. Finding time to do the six techniques designed by Elrod, can be your one way to be selfish and practice selfcare daily. As with anything else, consistency will be key in your success. Just remember, if you have time for other people daily, you definitely have time for yourself daily.
If are looking for more information and networking on selfcare, visit, www.themiraclemorning.com.
Brandi Phillips is a freelance writer, holistic health coach, mother of two, life partner and lover of adventure. If you have questions about this article, contact Brandi at wellifethreesixty@gmail.com.
