If you haven't already set your 2021 goals, it's really never too late. Goals should shift and grow with and for you, and you don't need to hear me tell you how important self-care is again, do you?
Here are three goals you can set to start taking the best care of your beautiful, wonderful self:
1. Start feeling.
I know this year has been chaotic, and only time will tell if 2021 plays out similarly. During turbulent times, it can feel scary to get face to face with your emotions, but I'm here to tell you that this is your key to peace and well-being. The only way out is through. By suppressing emotions, they counterintuitively begin to rule our lives, creating thorns in our sides and misdirected sensitivities. Practice checking in with yourself throughout the day or try a pop-up reminder with the words, "how am I feeling?" in the morning and evening of each day. Truly listen without judgment and if you feel called to let it flow, journal it out.
2. Get into herbal teas.
Herbs are nature's medicine and there are so many for every ailment or intention under the sun. As we roll into the cooler seasons, brewing hot tea is not only nourishing, but soothing to your entire nervous system. If you're into Ayurveda or Chinese Medicine, you can take some online tests to find which herbs are best suited to your composition. If you'd rather freeform, just take time to mindfully sip what tastes and feels good.
3. Practice the RAIN meditation daily.
"RAIN" is a meditative practice coined by psychologist, Tara Brach. It's an acronym that stands for, "Recognize, Acknowledge, Investigate, Nurture." In this practice, take the observer's position and simply notice your thoughts, acknowledge the types of thoughts you're having, investigate why you may be having any negative ones, let them go, and nurture yourself with loving intentions or even a self-hug. Set a timer and use this meditation first thing in the morning or at the end of your day to monitor your thoughts and check the negative ones at the door. This helps keep you in (or cultivate) a healthy relationship with yourself and your mind.
*BONUS:*
4. Enroll yourself in Self-Care School.
Self-care is a radical form of self-respect and self-respect leads to an increased sense of self-worth, self-confidence and ultimately, paves the most important path known to man-kind: the path to self-love. This dynamic and approachable course de-mystifies the #1 ingredient to healthy, happy, holistic living: self-love. Immerse yourself in 15 days of powerful, proven healing modalities for deep self-care to learn to love yourself truly, deeply and authentically. Check it out here.
