Self-care shouldn’t be a luxury, but it often feels that way. Every single one of us needs and deserves self-care.

What Are Essential Self-Care Rituals?

Self-care may mean different things to different people, but ultimately, it revolves around looking after yourself. The definition is broad, but when examining your general well-being, essential self-care rituals include anything that you do for yourself that feels nourishing. These deliberate actions, behaviors, or practices improve your daily quality of life. It is crucial to take time to tend to your physical, spiritual, mental and emotional well-being through consistent self-care-practices.

When We Neglect Our Self-Care Rituals…

When we neglect our self-care, our batteries never recharge. One of my favorite sayings is, “You can't pour from an empty cup.” And it’s true! When we prioritize our mental, physical, and emotional needs by taking breaks and recharging through essential self-care rituals, we become more effective in all of our roles.

Where Do Self-Care Rituals Happen?

In short, anywhere. You don’t have to be at home or in a spa to practice self-care. It can include daily activities like healthy eating, exercise, quality sleep, and personal hygiene. You can even incorporate simple self-care practices at work.

Why Are Essential Self-Care Rituals Important?

When we become stretched too thin, rundown, and overly busy with life and forget to take care of ourselves, it can wreak havoc. This neglect can carry over into every area of life and even damage relationships. You may know all about this phenomenon. We refer to it by different names - burnout, exhaustion, fatigue…at my wit’s end...pandemic!! Read more about how self-care prevents burnout.

How To Practice Essential Self-Care Rituals

Self-care is highly individualized, even if we're doing the same types of things. Take stock and see what works best for you. Don't feel like you have to do everything at once. Spending five minutes one day may work, while another time you may need a few hours or even an entire day to refresh and recharge through your essential self-care rituals.

Essential Self-Care Rituals to Live By

• Recognize your limitations - you simply cannot do everything for everyone. You will run out of steam. Realize that and work with it, not against it.
• Keep a journal - notice any patterns, record how you feel when you practice self-care. Adjust and try new things as often as you like if you start getting bored.
• Reward yourself - self-care in itself may seem like a reward; it isn't. It's a necessity. Reward yourself for taking care of yourself.
• Be kind to yourself - try not to sweat the small stuff. Try not to take things personally or beat yourself up. Repeat as often as needed: I'm learning.
• Ask for help - prevent burnout from happening by asking for help when you need it. It's a sign of strength not weakness.
• Unplug - put down that phone, turn off that device. Step away from the screen! No, but seriously, unplugging can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being. Bonus points if you get some face-to-face time with a friend.
• Social connections - if you find yourself feeling lonely and isolated, reach out. Check in on a friend or family member. Pick up the phone and call. (Okay, or text!) Join a book club, Facebook group, or another organization where you can connect with other people.
• Mindfulness - living in the past and future robs us of being present. Take a few minutes to be still and notice the things around you. Use your senses to describe what's going on around you. If you have any thoughts intruding on the stillness, bat them away like balloons or clouds. They'll be there when you're finished.

Just remember...in the words of our dear Dalai Lama...."If you feel 'burnout' setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself."

Be kind to yourself and those you love...restore yourself through these essential self-care rituals! Explore our luxury self-care bath & body skincare collection designed to elevate your everyday rituals into moments of indulgence.

Cheers and be well!!
Nanette