What does it mean to truly take care of yourself—to nourish your entire being? For starters, it isn’t a selfish indulgence. It also isn’t a luxury reserved for Sundays. Contrary to what we’re marketed, it doesn’t require an expensive spa treatment, an off-grid yoga retreat, or a slew of beauty products. At its core, self-care is about recharging and reducing stress. It’s a way to revive your emotional energy and recommit to knowing your self-worth.
What is self-care?
In other words, the essence of self-care is the intentional practice of prioritizing—and nurturing—mind (mental well-being), body (physical health), and spirit (identity, interconnectedness, consciousness, etc.). It involves recognizing one’s needs and taking proactive steps to meet them. In turn, a vibrant, balanced, and joyful life unfolds. Prioritizing self-care is an act of kindness, a vital practice for an enhanced quality of life. Win, win, win.
What happens if you don’t prioritize self-care
This goes without saying, but neglecting practical, daily self-care leads to physical and mental exhaustion. Not to mention, hormonal imbalances, increased stress, and a decline in overall well-being! Burnout comes knocking at the door. And if you know, you know: your ability to cope with challenges (even the slightest mishaps) becomes significantly harder.
How to get started on your self-care journey, today
For most of us, life isn’t getting any less busy. Therefore, there’s no better time to embrace everyday moments of self-care. Make them a non-negotiable. Our overall vitality, longevity, sanity, and physical well-being count on it. Just like we fuel our cars to keep them running smoothly, self-care fuels us to navigate life's hardships and responsibilities (no matter their intensity).
- Set boundaries: Learn to say no when you need to. Establish clear boundaries to avoid overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed. This allows you to allocate time for self-care without guilt.
- Schedule "me” time: Treat self-care as a non-negotiable part of your routine. Treat these moments (reading a book, taking a bath, going for a walk, etc.) as important appointments.
- Delegate responsibilities: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks at home or work. Share duties with family members, colleagues, or friends. This helps lighten your load, giving you more time and energy to focus on yourself.
5 pillars of holistic self-care
The cornerstones of self-care look different for each of us. But the following five pillars are practical, universal, and (hopefully!) sustainable. Embrace them gradually, leaning into what piques your curiosity.
JOYFUL MOVEMENT
Whether it's dancing, strength training, or a brisk walk, find an activity that doesn’t feel like a chore. Physical exercise is two-fold: it boosts your mood (hello, endorphins) and it enhances your overall health—including your hormones. For best results, make it a habit to move your body routinely.
BREATHWORK
For the ultimate calm, harness the incredible power of your breath. Take a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing. This simple yet profound self-care practice can have a lasting impact on your mental and emotional balance.
HUMAN CONNECTION
Human connection is a vital component of self-care. Cultivate relationships with people who uplift and inspire you. Carve out space on your calendar for meaningful conversations (over a cup of tea or coffee). If it calls to you, participate in your community via volunteering. Nurture your social connections, and let the positive energy flow into every aspect of your life.
EATING WELL
Fuel your body with the nutrients it craves by adopting a well-balanced and nourishing diet. Furthermore, explore the benefits of seed cycling, our go-to holistic approach to supporting hormonal balance. New to incorporating seeds? Get our 101 guide! Last but not least, make stable blood sugar a priority. Doing so encourages satiation, lasting energy, and nurturing your body from the inside out.
QUALITY SLEEP
Of all self-care tips, prioritize the importance of quality sleep. Establish a relaxing bedtime ritual, create a comfortable sleep environment, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Quality sleep is essential. When you prioritize rest, you empower yourself to face each day with renewed energy and resilience.
What does self-care look like for each phase of your menstrual cycle?
To bring things full circle, let’s dive into specific self-care rituals to support your menstrual cycle. These phase-specific activities have the power to help balance your hormones by lowering stress and adding nourishment to your life.
Menstruation
Mindfulness is the name of the game. Find a quiet space and listen to this menstrual cycle meditation. For movement, focus on stretches, restorative poses, or slow flows that help ease physical discomfort. Before bed, brew herbal teas known for their calming properties, such as chamomile, red raspberry leaf, and ginger.
Follicular
Connect with nature during this phase—your body craves it! Take walks or enjoy lunch outside. Use this time to ground yourself and breathe in fresh air. Also, take advantage of having more energy during this phase by engaging in a new workout class, an invigorating run, or a dynamic yoga flow.
Ovulatory
Feeling a heightened sense of social and communicative energy? Use this opportunity to connect with your community. Organize an intimate dinner party, network, or plan a self-care activity with friends. Use your hormonal surge to your advantage (have fun in the bedroom…or take extra precautions to prevent pregnancy!).
Luteal
This phase is all about introspection and preparing for the next cycle. Relax with a warm bath and diffuse calming essential oils, like geranium. Replenish your energy and provide yourself with the care you need. Finally, tap into your artistic abilities. Journal, write poetry, take photos, or draw—these create space for new beginnings and emotional clarity.