Self-care is about giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.
— Katie Reed
We often spend inordinate amounts of time thinking of other people. Our partners, kids, parents, bosses – the list goes on and on. How often do you spend concentrating on you? Do you listen to your body? Do pay attention to your emotions? Are you checking in with your own mental health instead of always worrying about others? As human beings we have finite resources for healthy minds, bodies and spirits. Don’t squander those resources…utilise them.
Traditional Medicine is all about self-care. It teaches us to be in tune with our mind, body, spirit trio constantly. To check-in with ourselves at the change of each season and make sure we are doing right by us. Traditional Medicine gives us not only the tools but good reasons to ensure health in the long term.
Some of my favourite Traditional Medicine self-care rituals are as follows:
1. Feng Shui. Arrange the objects in your life in the best possible way to ensure a clean and calming living space. By arranging your things for optimal comfort, you help your mind, body, spirit trio find peace.
2. Herbs. Whether you add ginger, coriander or turmeric to your drinks, soups and casseroles or try citrus in your tea and baked goods – they all help your body heal itself naturally. You can also try essential oils to help with everything from headaches to insomnia.
3. Acupuncture. This Traditional Medicine technique has been around for millennia and helps restore the delicate balance of Qi to your body. Acupuncture is a complimentary practice, in that it does not interfere with any other health care program you may be using.
4. Meditation. If your mind is balanced the body and spirit will follow. Try to set aside just 10 minutes a day to practice a little meditation mindfulness. Tai chi, breathing exercises, keeping a diary or just reminding yourself of what you are thankful for can all do the trick.
5. Move. By taking a leisurely stroll, running on the beach or even walking the dog you are moving your body which helps bring everything into balance. Opting to take the stairs rather than the elevator or walking to the shops or riding your bike instead of using a car. Your body will thank you and your mind and spirit will as well.
6. Diet. You are what you eat. Good in equals good all over. By opting for the healthier option – fruit instead of cake or baked instead of fried – you are giving your body the right kind of energy to facilitate healing. By feeling better in your body – you can’t help but feel better in mind and spirit.
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you aren’t worth the time it takes to care for you. We cannot give our best to anyone else if we aren’t willing to do the best we can for ourselves. Self-care isn’t selfish…it’s essential.
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