The Idea of the Week
When we live in a hustle-and-bustle life, doing anything for yourself seems impossible. There just isn’t enough time in the day. But taking care of your well-being does not always mean a full week’s vacation—sometimes it means doing a full body check-in.
More often, self-care is the tiny moments you carry with you. Self-care is intentional and mindful.
Think about when you care for someone else: you notice that they like to have lunch with a cup of water during the week but they indulge in a soda with their weekend lunches. You may notice that they just need a listening ear—no advice—when they have a rough day at work. Yet, when they invite you to shop together and talk about a problem, they need help problem-solving. Sometimes though, before they talk about a problem you have to ask them, “Do you need a listening ear, or do you want me to help with problem-solving?” In these moments, you are aware and you become intentional when you order them a soda for their weekend lunch.
Give yourself the same intentionality and awareness.
While self-care can sometimes be a radical month-long vacation without work, more often it is the everyday attention and intention you give to yourself that boosts your well-being because it is more consistent than a vacation. It is about understanding your likes and dislikes, knowing what you can and can’t do, recognizing your areas of growth, and setting boundaries. These are elements that set you up to live in to your life.
The Practice of the Week
This week, we challenge you to practice one of the following exercises for just one minute.
Allow yourself to fully embrace the present moment with these full-body check-ins. If you are really short on time, then try setting a one-minute timer or integrating the exercise into your next task.
Breath
Ask yourself: How am I breathing? Where is my breath flowing?
Notice where your breath goes. Does your chest rise, or does your stomach rise? Notice how you feel. Notice how long your breath is.
Environment
Ask yourself: Can I feel the connection to the support underneath me (e.g., Earth, floor, chair)?
Notice the connection to your environment. Notice how the Earth/floor/chair feels. What is the texture? Where are you connected? Through your feet? How do your feet feel? Notice what it feels like to notice these sensations.
Body
Ask yourself: What is one thing that feels good, pleasant, or “less bad” in my body right now? Where do I feel this? What does my body need right now?
Notice how this part of your body feels. Is it warm or cool? Soft or firm? Do a body scan and pay attention to the sensations. Listen to what your body needs. Do you need to stretch? Workout? Drink water? Have a snack? Rest?
Posture
Ask yourself: What position is my body in right now? What does my body feel like in this position? What does it represent how I’m feeling?
Notice any tension and release it. Notice any discomfort and shift your position. Notice any relaxation and sink into it.
Emotion
Ask yourself: What emotions are present in my body? Where are they? Is there anything I need to do to address or manage these emotions? What do I need?
Notice any physical sensations. Do your fingers tingle? Do you feel any tightness or tension in your body? Do you feel warm or cold? Notice any urges to react or suppress any emotions. Notice how your breath changes as you acknowledge your emotions.
The Thought of the Week
Wishing you a peaceful week!
