Step Up the Self Care

This time of year it can be so challenging to take good care of body, mind and spirit. And that’s not good! At the very same time we are heading into cold and flu season in the midst of a world-wide pandemic. If there was ever a great time to be take care, that time is NOW.

But, oh my, contemporary times do not make it easy: the body is accosted by rich food and hectic schedules; the mind is stressed by pressures to spend time with people in uncomfortable social situations; and the spirit is saddened by platitudes of peace, love and joy that are rarely put into practice. Now is the time to step up the self care!

STEP UP FOR THE BODY by sticking to a regular routine. This can be tricky because of the many temptations to eat seasonal foods and stay up too late. Remember the 80/20 rule: As long as you’re living right 80% of the time, you can waver 20% of the time. It might be more or less for you but figure it out and you’ll be happier and healthier in your body.

STEP UP FOR THE MIND by knowing which people and situations cause you stress. Your first thought may be to avoid them, but that’s not always an option, especially at the holidays. Here are two steps you can take: 1) sit quietly and imagine yourself in the situation or talking to the difficult people taking note of the thoughts and emotions that are triggered. Take a few deep breaths to return to the present moment before going on to step 2) revisit the situation as an observer, almost like a fly on the wall who watches the people and activity as if it were a movie. Notice how your mind conjures up very different thoughts and emotions when you are an observer rather than a participant. See if you can bring this new attitude into the stressful situation you have been dreading.

STEP UP FOR THE SPIRIT by marking the season with a meaningful ritual. There are many opportunities to do this at the Winter Solstice, one of the many holidays celebrated in December, or the start of the New Year. You can make it fancy by collecting crystals, flowers, essential oils or scented candle, or you can make it plain with simply paper and pen. Look over the past year and make a list of the challenges you’ve faced, the ways you have grown, what you want to let go of, and what you want to embrace for the new year. Sit reflectively with what you uncovered. Give gratitude for this past year and all the good that is coming your way in 2022.