Take Care of Yourself, So You Can Take Care of the Planet
A GUIDE TO SELF-CARE
By Jaclyn Tracy
“Self-care” is a word that has been thrown around for years. And when you think of self-care what comes to mind? Face masks, bubble baths and spa days. Luxury.
But really, self-care is the process of taking care of oneself with behaviors that promote health.
It is critical for building resilience especially at times of adversity. As you know, life can be very challenging as a human. If you truly prioritize taking care of yourself you can live life to its absolute fullest potential. Your are better equipped to serve the greater good. To take care of the planet. And to raise the vibration of all of humanity. Fill your cup first to replenish your mental, emotional, and physical energy and you will touch so many more people in your life.
If we underinvest in ourselves — our minds, bodies, and spirits — we disempower our own ability to make our highest contribution and reduce the positive collective impact we can make through shifting our behaviors to live more sustainable lifestyles.
If you truly prioritize taking care of yourself you can live life to its absolute fullest potential. You are better equipped to serve the greater good. To take care of the planet. And to raise the vibration of all of humanity.
STARTING WITH THE BASICS
Self-care routines change depending on your own health. If you are ill, if you have an injury and so on, self-care looks so different then if you are healthy and thriving.
Recently, I had a pretty severe injury. It limited my ability to move. It hurt to stand, walk or really do any daily task that involved moving my body.
I went back to the basics only. I dropped my gua sha, dry brushing routine and rarely did my face masks. I even stopped using these interdental brushes that remove food, plaque and bacteria between teeth (ew!). I focused on extra sleep, physical therapy, healthy eating, spirituality, socialization and my mental health.
1. Sleep
According to Dr. Hyman, sleep regulates your brain function, helps stabilize your mood, and is a time when the body heals. It allows us to operate at our highest level of mental contribution so that we can achieve more, in less time and it cultivates creativity.
In a society that is moving so fast, celebrating busy-ness it can be easy to sacrifice sleep to stay on pace or keep up with the Joneses. But, the truth is, you have to protect your one and only asset–yourself.
Tips & Resources
Read Essentialism – this book changed my life
2. Movement
Excess sitting now is linked with many diseases and conditions, including obesity, hypertension, back pain, cancer, cardiovascular disease and depression. Honestly, I think that was the root cause of my back pain (injury). Consistent exercise can positively impact vascular health, risk of dementia, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and bone health.
Tips & Resources
Prioritize 3.5 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise each week.
Do a combo of static and dynamic activities.
Use a standing desk when possible.
Move every hour.
3. Healthy Eating
Experts say the easiest way to eat healthy is to keep it simple with whole foods and lots of fruits and veggies.
Tips & Resources
Listen to your gut.
Eat organic, plant-based whole foods.
Read Eat to Beat Disease by Dr. William Li – he shares so many amazing tips all based in science.
4. Spiritual
Any ritual or practice that we do to further our connection with our higher self is absolutely a form of self-care. Meditation, yoga, religious practice, gratitude, prayer, journal – whatever it is that can get you closer to your spiritual core – prioritize it.
Tips & Resources
Ask the Universe (God) for help
Use a meditation app – I use Melissa Wood Health, she now offers sound bath healing too.
I also love doing Reiki or Energy Healing when I can. This Reiki Master changed my life and helped get my body to a place where it could heal.
5. Socialization
We are social beings. Close connections are important to overall mental health.
Tips & Resources
I plan out my calendar to make sure I am meeting up with girlfriends on a weekly basis. My girlfriends keep me centered. Remind me of who I am. And make me feel alive.
Find your balance depending on your level of introvert, extrovert and define boundaries accordingly.
6. Psychological
Counseling or therapy can help to clarify a problem, cope with depression, develop increased confidence, explore opportunities for change, improve personal skills, make better decisions, manage anxiety and overall give you a more open, fluid perspective on life. Meditation and journaling has a similar effect – both can bring a lot of clarity to your life.
Tips & Resources
Find a great therapist you vibe with. I work virtually with Diane Strausser. She’s amazing.
Meditate – I use Melissa Wood Health, she now offers sound bath healing too.
Spend time in nature – it’s another form of meditation for me.
THEN ADD ON:
Now that I have recovered from my injury (not fully, but I currently have no consistent pain) so I am back to my more luxurious self-care practices such as:
1. Face Masks
Face masks hydrate and moisturize dry skin, remove excess oil and dirt, decongest clogged pores, remove impurities, help reduce signs of aging and heals breakouts.
My favorite
2. Salt & Bubble Bath
Sea salt baths ease achy muscles and joints, stimulate circulation and calm irritated skin. Depending on the type of bubble bath you are using, a bubble bath can have grounding aroma’s that fill the room and help to reduce stress.
My favorite
Rose Salt – epsom salts, rosemary, marigold, rosehip, rose petals, peppermint
3. Gua Sha Routine
Gua sha when used correctly can contour your face, improve circulation, penetrate products, and relax tense muscles.
My favorite
I apply a supplemental Oil and then use this Gua Sha
5. Stone Diffuser
"Diffusing with all-natural essential oils can help you set an intentional mood for your space," says Sara Panton, the co-founder of Vitruvi.
My favorite
4. Dry Brush Routine
Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process. It also helps detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage.
My favorite
This article could go on forever, because self-care is one of my favorite topics! So I’ll end it here and leave you with this:
Remember that if you don’t prioritize your life someone else will.
— Greg McKeown
Stress relieving activities do work hand-in-hand. So start with the basics and then add on. Take care of yourself, so you can take care of the planet and raise the vibration of all of humanity.
