July 24 is International Self-Care Day and a perfect reminder to prioritize yourself. Famed poet Audre Lorde once said, "Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation," and I couldn't agree more. For the past two years, I have been focused on my self-care journey and even started a business inspired by it. I have learned so much on this journey and enjoy sharing my findings with others.
The first thing I learned is that self-care is NOT selfish. In order to show up as your best self for not only yourself, but others, you need to take care of you. It's something that a lot of people struggle with, especially women as we've always been taught to put others before us. But ladies, we are just as important as everyone else.
So for International Self-Care Day, I have listed five nonnegotiables to help jumpstart your best self.
Words of Affirmation
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Every day I try to incorporate some form of words of affirmation into my day. This may look like positive affirmations I tell myself or listening to inspirational podcasts or motivational speeches. Some of my faves are Les Alfred of the She's So Lucky podcast (formerly Balanced Black Girl podcast) and spiritual healer Erin Lyons.
Hydration
While there are many conflicting reports of how much water we should drink, one thing we all can agree on is how important it is to stay hydrated. Some ways to stay hydrated are to eat foods with high water content, reduce alcohol intake, and keep water with you always. I'm a alkaline water girl and studies have found it to be the most hydrating. However, choose the best water option for you. And if you struggle with the taste, add fruits such as lemon or lime.
Journal
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If you've read my content, then you know journaling is going to be mentioned somewhere in the story. This practice is a great self-care tool because it allows you to empty your thoughts on paper, which can leave you feeling rejuvenated or at peace. The good thing about journaling is that there are different types. You can write someone a letter, write down your goals, or even add a visual component by junk journaling. If you're interested in learning more about journaling and how to use it as part of your self-care ritual, then join my upcoming masterclass here.
Shower/Bath
Yes, showering and bathing is essential for good hygiene, but that's not the only benefits. There's nothing like relaxing in a bath surrounded by the smells of lavender, rose and other essential oils. Water alone is known to have healing affects and can calm your nervous system. If you don't have a bathtub no worries. A shower can work just as well. Having warm water hit every part of your body feels just as good as sitting in a bath tub.
Rest
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Last, but certainly not least, rest. We all need it and we all don't get enough of it. If you're struggling with getting proper rest, check out The Nap Ministry, which lists tips and holds workshops centered around rest. If you're in Atlanta, you can also check out The Rest Spot, which is a women's only wellness club dedicated to rest.
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Feature image by Krakenimages.com/ Shutterstock
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