When you think of self-care, do you picture bubble baths and luxurious massages? Do you think you don’t have time for that or that self-care isn’t for you?
What if I told you you’re probably already practicing self-care and don’t even realize it?
See, the key to a successful and supportive self-care practice is not to force yourself to set aside more time than you actually have or to “indulge” in activities that don’t necessarily resonate with you. Rather, the key to self-care is that it actually needs to BE supportive. It needs to resonate with you and make you feel truly cared for.
One of the best ways to achieve that kind of practice is to take a look at your day-to-day life and ask yourself what activities already do feel supportive. What mini rituals do you do every day without even realizing it? If you can take a few of these rituals and activities and do them with greater intention, you can create a self-care practice that doesn’t actually take up any additional time in your day.
To get you started, here are some self-care practices that you’re probably already doing without even realizing it:
Skincare Routine. Though this also has a hygienic function in your life, taking care of your skin is an intimate connection with your body and an excellent opportunity for intentional pampering.
Make the Bed. This is kind of a big one. I have not always been good about making my bed every day but it’s amazing how much more productive you feel in the morning if you do this! If you want to incorporate a little magick, you could spritz the sheets with lavender oil before making the bed or employ the cardinal directions in the bed-making process.
Showering. Another hygienic necessity, showering can easily be a meditative experience. We’ve all had some of our best ideas in the shower at some point and that’s because this is an excellent way to just clear your head and discover what’s really important.
Diffusing or Applying Relaxing Essential Oils. This is really such a simple thing to do but it infusing the air around you with magick. I love to apply lavender oil to my wrists before bed!
Go for a Walk. Especially if you work any kind of desk job, it’s so important to get outside and spend time in nature, even if that just means a quick five-minute walk around the block. While you’re walking, instead of texting or thinking about your to-do list, take the time to put away your phone and breathe deeply in the fresh air.
Water the Plants. Whether you have a flourishing garden, a few containers on the patio, or just a tiny succulent in the window, caring for your plants is a wonderful way to get connected with nature and to give a little bit of yourself in a healthy way.
Washing Your Hands. Whenever you wash your hands, you have an excellent opportunity to connect with the element of water and allow it to wash away any negativity or stagnant energy you’ve collected.
Wear Something that Makes You Feel Good. Whether it’s a particular outfit, lingerie, jewelry, perfume, shoes… whatever it is that makes you feel beautiful or handsome or just good about yourself, wear it often and with intention. The more that you infuse that article of clothing or accessory with your best intentions and good vibes, the better it will continue to serve you and put you in that mindset as soon as you put it on.
Unplug. I know it’s hard, and I’m not good about this myself, but unplugging an hour before you go to bed and/or an hour in the morning before you dig into your day, is so supportive. It gives you time for some of the things we often gloss over in our lives when we’re always on our phones, like reading a book or making a real breakfast, but it also just saves your eyes and your mental health!
Read a Book. It’s easy to fill your spare time with Insta-scrolling but actually picking up a real book and reading it, especially escapist fiction but maybe that’s just me, is so supportive and fulfilling. It’s important to continually support your own growth and learning, even if it’s in a purely entertaining form.
Do you do any of these things and, if so, do you consider them self-care? Have you ever thought about transforming mundane tasks into a self-care practice?