Tools for Forward Movement: Part 2 Self-care to Recharge

Check out my prior blog post on Time Management as Part 1 of my Tools for Forward Movement https://www.guide2resilience.com/blog/tools-for-forward-movement-part-1-time-management

I like to think about self-care as recharging myself. To use the analogy of an electric car, if I keep driving along and never stop to recharge, my battery runs out and I get stranded. Recharging my battery daily has been an essential step to move forward in my wellness journey especially with managing two chronic illnesses. 

I “plug in” to recharge through nurturing my body and mind. 

What does it mean to nurture your body?

Nurture means “to help (something or someone) to grow, develop, or succeed,” according to Merriam Webster.

So I ask myself, what do I need to keep growing and developing to successfully recharge my body and mind? 

I have learned that what I need varies. It’s based on where I am in my life and what is going on. I have let go of thinking I have to follow a set “self-care” regimen each day. It’s all about what my body and mind  need in the present moment to be well.

Here are some of my favorite ways to nurture my body to recharge:

Meditating for 10 or 15 minutes - it does not have to be long to make a difference.

Pausing what I’m doing and taking 4 slow, deep breaths to calm my mind.

Repeating my mantra, “I am healing, I am well” to center myself.

Sitting down with a pen and notebook to journal my thoughts and feelings. 

Calling a close friend to chat about what is going on in our lives.

Reading a new book to learn or re-reading an old one to reminisce. 

Watching a favorite movie or show on Netflix - yes, watching Netflix can be part of self-care!

Taking a warm Epsom salt bath to relax and unwind instead of a quick shower.

Allowing myself to take an afternoon nap and not feeling guilty about it.

Listening to a podcast while cooking to enjoy creating a healthy meal.

Taking a walk being mindful of what I see, hear, smell, feel around me.  

Doing my Pilates routine to strengthen and stabilize my lax joints - more to come on this!

I remind myself that taking time to nurture myself is not being selfish. It's recharging my battery to better care for myself and those around me. It’s hard to keep moving if your battery is shot.

I recharge to keep moving forward, remembering that wellness is a journey of finding balance and not a set endpoint in time. 

How do you recharge your battery to keep moving forward?

If you feel depleted and you need guidance on how to recharge your battery, book a Free consultation today using button at top.