Micro Self Care
I was recently reminded about the practice of what I like to call "micro self care." Micro self care is comprised of small self care activities that take such a small amount of time you can sprinkle them throughout your day. Perhaps you're already doing these things and just weren't think of them as "Self Care" with a capital "S."
After entering the world of parenthood, my self care practice has shifted. To facilitate this shift free of guilt, it was important for me to shift my perspective of what "self care" means as a parent. It's about doing things that make you feel good. That's it. Showering every day, putting on jeans, eating nutritious food, sleeping every moment I could, and lighting a candle were things that helped me stay connected in my world and take care of myself.
And just as life shifts with each month, year, decade, so will your self care practice.
It's about making things intentional and deliberate. Putting lotion on my hands can feel like a luxury if I am mindful during the process. How does it smell? What does it feel like? What color is the lotion container? Focusing on these senses brings you to the present moment. You are here in the now; you are safe, comfortable and focusing on YOU.
I share a list of mini self care practices that you may already practice during any given day. Didn't think about it as self care before? Give yourself credit! Bring awareness and mindfulness to these practices and allow yourself to take care of yourself. Prioritize your mental health and notice the healing ripple effect in your life.
Pull an affirmation card from your favorite deck
Tangle a Zentangle design
Put on hand lotion
Give yourself a quick manicure
Take a shower
Text a friend
Drink water
Get a cup of coffee or tea
Step outside
Take three deep breaths
Look at photos that make you feel good
Feel the sunshine on your face
Listen to your favorite song
Try out a meditation on YouTube
Take a bath
Repeat an affirmation out loud
Watch a tv show
Put your phone down for 30 minutes
Make a short gratitude list
Read a chapter in a book
Try a new recipe
Explore the magazine aisle at the bookstore
Practice a yoga pose
Imagine a safe place in your mind
Go for a walk around the block
Hug a loved one
Spray lavender scent in your room
Make a smoothie
Burn a candle
Put on a cozy outfit
Look at art
Go to bed early one night
Journal your thoughts
Put your feet on the earth
Make a small piece of art
Sit on the ground
Wash your face
Wear slippers
Make a list of manifestations
Window shop
Make your bed
Take a nap
Write a small list of coping skills that work for you
Sit quietly for 1 minute
Chew a piece of gum
Give yourself a neck massage
pull an oracle card from your favorite deck
Repeat the phrase "I am enough" three times
Call a friend
Check out more coping skills here
Having a hard time choosing a self care practice to use in the moment? I'm sharing a tutorial to create a micro self care container. Click the photo below to download the tutorial.
