Feeling beautiful starts from the inside, so incorporating self-care into your routine is important. Starting your day with positive affirmations, for example, sets the tone and allows you to adjust your energy to an upbeat frequency.
How you start your day determines how you navigate it, so why not start it off on a positive note? Filling your cup is an intentional act. To understand the value of that, see it as depositing funds into your emotional bank account, except you’re filling your love tank with acts of kindness and positive affirmations.
Start your day with positive affirmations and set your intention for the day. Below are some suggestions to help you navigate your day from a place of abundance.
1. I am enough. Always have been, always will be
2. I’m grateful for the new day and I’m equipped to handle all my responsibilities with ease
3. Today is a blessing and I’ll move through it with gratitude
4. I’m intentional about how I navigate my day and the people and things I let into my space
5. I choose to be kind, considerate and graceful as I move through the day
Keeping a gratitude journal and jotting down five things you’re thankful for is also a great way to start the day.
The idea of self-care may seem daunting if you see it as something you have to splurge or spend a considerable amount of time on. Reframing your thoughts around it is the first step to getting the most out of it. Once you’ve set your intention for the day through positive affirmations, you can commit to practising an act of kindness towards yourself. This can be as simple as unplugging from work during lunch to enjoying a meal, checking in with yourself, calling a friend to catch up or reading personal development articles that fill your tank.
Soaking your feet, running a bath or setting some time aside for meditation is a great way to unwind after a long day. You can also skip the mindless scrolling on social media and snuggle with a book to nourish your mind. Being intentional about these acts of kindness makes mundane tasks feel like treats.
Turn in early for some much-needed rest, allowing you to greet the next day feeling invigorated. Investing in quality bedding and comfortable pyjamas adds a special touch to bedtime. Keeping a journal at your bedside reminds you to jot down your thoughts, especially if you need an outlet or to recap on your day before releasing it.
Transform your time in the tub into an indulgent moment. Bath salts and balms, scented candles, face masks and spa music can make bath time feel like an escape.
Using your smartphone to improve your wellbeing is a great way to incorporate self-care into your daily routine. Apps such as Headspace, Clue, Noom, Meditopia and Exhale make it possible to track your stress levels and schedule rest and meditation.
This practice has been around for ages, but the rise of social media has made it more accessible.
When you quiet the mind, you give yourself permission to slow down, breathe and smell the roses. This helps you to feel more calm and centred, especially if you’re prone to anxiety.
Original article appeared on GLAMOUR South Africa, author Thobeka Phanyeko