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.  

1. Pull an affirmation card from your favorite deck

2. Tangle a Zentangle design

3. Put on hand lotion

4. Give yourself a quick manicure

5. Take a shower

6. Text a friend

7. Drink water

8. Get a cup of coffee or tea

9. Step outside

10. Take three deep breaths

11. Look at photos that make you feel good

12. Feel the sunshine on your face

13. Listen to your favorite song

14. Try out a meditation on YouTube

15. Take a bath

16. Repeat an affirmation out loud

17. Watch a tv show

18. Put your phone down for 30 minutes

19. Make a short gratitude list

20. Read a chapter in a book

21. Try a new recipe

22. Explore the magazine aisle at the bookstore

23. Practice a yoga pose

24. Imagine a safe place in your mind

25. Go for a walk around the block

26. Hug a loved one

27. Spray lavender scent in your room

28. Make a smoothie

29. Burn a candle

30. Put on a cozy outfit

31. Look at art

32. Go to bed early one night

33. Journal your thoughts

34. Put your feet on the earth

35. Make a small piece of art

36. Sit on the ground

37. Wash your face

38. Wear slippers

39. Make a list of manifestations

40. Window shop

41. Make your bed

42. Take a nap

43. Write a small list of coping skills that work for you

44. Sit quietly for 1 minute

45. Chew a piece of gum

46. Give yourself a neck massage

47. pull an oracle card from your favorite deck

48. Repeat the phrase "I am enough" three times

49. Call a friend

50. 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.