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The Art Of Reframing Self-Care As Micro Self-Care
In the past several months, self-care has been painted as a luxurious act that is often earned but in reality, it must be everyone's norm. You should not and do not need to earn self-care because every day should entail the care of self. Unfortunately, that is not always the case for many women due to scheduling conflicts, work, friendships/relationships, family, and additional obligations.
Part of the reason many women have had such a difficult time making time for self-care is because it is often illustrated as being a grand type of practice such as traveling, going to the spa, shopping, going out to eat and more. While all of those things are indeed self-care practices, it is essential that people keep in mind that due to the state of our world, we may not have access to all of those options or may not feel comfortable partaking in them.
With that being said, it is essential that we reframe our thinking of self-care as micro self-care.
Micro self-care takes on the approach of self-care as being feasible despite one's schedule or personal obligations. Below are some practical and feasible micro-self care practices that every woman can practice today.
Walk
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A nice 20-minute walk while listening to your favorite tunes can turn your day around. Working out is not confined to the gym or with a trainer. You can go on a brisk walk and burn some calories if you cannot make it to the gym.
Breathing exercises
Breathing techniques can refocus you if you are having a stressful day. I suggest breathing in through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Focus on your breathing and clear your mind. Doing this for just five minutes a day can bring relief throughout the day.
Coloring
Coloring is not just for kids. It is for adults too! Some of the benefits of adult coloring is:
- Stress and anxiety decreases
- Mindfulness occurs since are focusing on the present
- You begin to think positively
Cleaning/Decluttering
Spring cleaning is not just a yearly act, it can be daily, weekly, or monthly. There is something about decluttering your space and getting rid of the things that no longer brings you joy or comfort as prophetic. Cleaning your space can create space and peace in your environment and at the time that we are in, who would not want to experience that.
Do Absolutely Nothing & Actually Rest
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For the busy woman who is usually juggling multiple projects, attending various events and meetings, this may be a bit challenging to do and that is the act of doing absolutely nothing.
When your weekly schedule is often filled with fulfilling tasks or your to-do list, doing nothing teaches your body and mind to rest. Very often people believe that if they work despite feeling exhausted that they are "ahead of the rest". However, the reality is that even though you are indeed checking off your to-do list, you are not doing quality work.
Remember, you can only do your best after experiencing a place of rest.
As you can see, some of the ways to practice micro self-care does not take much effort and it is actually practical. I challenge you to not limit yourself with the suggestions provided and explore new micro self-care practices. Now, more than ever, is the time that we shift the narrative around self-care no longer being a luxury but a part of one's daily routine.
For more inspiration, self-care, and healing tips, check out xoNecole's Wellness section here.
Featured image by Shutterstock
Originally pubished on April 21, 2021
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Joy is a 2x Author, Empowerment Speaker, and Strategy Coach. Her platform, Speak With Joy, mission is, "To empower and equip Women and Young Adults to speak with JOY despite life's circumstances in the area of FAITH, PURPOSE, and RELATIONSHIPS".
How This New Bond Repair Line Transformed One Mother's Postpartum Shedding Into The Ultimate Curl Comeback
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In today’s economy, we’re always looking for ways to stretch every dollar. However, the allure of new gadgets, trendy clothes, and the latest dining spots can often lead to impulsive spending. An iced latte here and an Uber Eats delivery there, topped off by a spontaneous online order can add up over time.
For those seeking to curb frivolous expenses and adopt a more mindful approach to their finances, participating in a no-spend month could be the solution to gaining control over their spending.
What is the No-Spend Challenge?
The no-spend challenge is a personal finance exercise where individuals commit to not spending money on non-essential items for a specific period. This could mean cutting off a subscription service, limiting your nights out for drinks, pulling back on online shopping, and holding off on big, spontaneous purchases to see how much you’d save over the month. The challenge encourages participants to evaluate their spending habits, identify areas of unnecessary expenditure, and redirect their financial focus toward savings and debt reduction.
This spending requires one to differentiate between needs and wants, with the base necessities being food, transportation, housing, essential bills, and medical/mental health expenses.
Preparing for a No-Spend Challenge
When embarking on a no-spend month, proper preparation is key to ensure you make the most out of the experience.
Financial expert and founder of The Frugal Feminista, Kara Stephens, says that having a compelling “why” can serve as a motivator to endure the ups and downs of the challenge, especially if it's your first time. “Have a clear idea of what your goals and outcomes are for the challenge. Do you want to be grateful for what you have? Do you want to save a certain amount of money?” she tells xoNecole. “Know what's going to be your ‘after-no-spend challenge' sustainability plan because we're hoping that your habits and your perspective on spending are changing and that you find a way to make that a part of your life after the challenge.”
One of the initial catalysts for the recent popularity of the no-spend challenge is to combat “revenge spending.” This spending habit, triggered by the “life is short” reality of the pandemic, has caused many of us to want to make up for lost time or missed experiences, which can lead to reckless financial decisions and jeopardize future stability.
Because of this, Stephen advises us to reframe our thinking around revenge spending to avoid putting our financial future at risk.
“Try and shift your perspective on revenge spending and say, yes, I want to live my best life, but how can I spend it responsibly?” she says. “How can I revenge spend on a budget? How can I remove the idea of revenge spending from my lexicon and just live well and plan systematically so it doesn't take away from my future financial goals?”
Benefits of A No-Spend Month
Taking part in a no-spend month has a number of benefits, one of which is the self-awareness and gratitude you gain by cutting out non-essential purchases. “You’re more financially self-aware because you're only thinking about what you deem as essentials,” Stephens says. “It can also make you more resourceful because you have to use what you have in your home, rather than going out and shopping.”
Those who take part in the challenge often find they become more intentional with their purchases, distinguishing between what they truly need and what they can do without. The money saved over this course of time can then be redirected towards paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or being put into a sinking fund.
Due to the rigid nature of the challenge, Stephens says that it’s important to have a sustainable framework to follow the no-spend challenge to avoid reverting to old habits. “It can be like "yo-yo dieting,” she explains. “If you were very strict for a certain period, but didn’t create any type of habit or change of mind to continue with it, you could resort back to revenge spending, ironically.”
Things to Keep In Mind
While it may seem like just another financial trend, taking part in a no-spend month can provide precious data about not just how much money you spend but also your mindset and relationship around money. You can observe how your feelings about money change and highlight areas of improvement. Alternatively, you can even start a sinking fund that allows you to put money aside for large purchases or personal experiences.
Ultimately, it’s not that spending money is bad, it’s about how you approach spending in a responsible way that ensures your financial security and success in the long run.
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Featured image by Evgeniia Siiankovskaia/Getty Images