Self care comes in all forms. It’s not always easy, sometimes it’s really hard. It’s not always bubble baths and candles, but it can be that.
Self care is different for each of us, but there are basic rituals that we can all do to help us feel good.
So, grab a cup of your drink of choice (I have a cup of tea with me!) and ask yourself how you could add some of these rituals to your daily routine.
Free flow journalling
Journalling is something I’m super passionate about, and it’s an essential tool to your self-care toolkit.
Free flow journalling allows you to get out of your system with everything you’re feeling. Whether you’re feeling sad, scared, overwhelmed or confused – whatever you’re feeling this will help.
Set aside some time, sit down in a place you feel comfortable and start writing.
A calming breakfast routine
Starting your day with breakfast is a really good way to start your day – and it’s something we can often forget.
Find an easy, low energy breakfast, grab a coffee and take your time. Plus, it’s a great trigger to remember to take your morning medication!
I’ve started to incorporate an Ayurvedic practice into my morning breakfast routine as well.
According to Ayurveda, drinking hot water, ginger and honey first thing in the morning cleanses you from the inside by aiding digestion. Sometimes I add a little bit of turmeric too – just to get all the anti-inflammatory spices in there!
Meal planning
Linked to the above ritual is meal planning. Chronic illness can be unpredictable, but making sure we eat well is really important.
Meal planning not only helps you plan your weeks and make things a bit easier, it can also save you money when you go shopping!
If you’re cooking something which freezes well, double up so then, if you’re having a flare up, a busy day or just need a rest you have a healthy, tasty meal in the freezer ready to go!
Have some screen free time
If you’re anything like me, you’ll spend a lot of time looking at a screen – be that your phone, laptop or TV.
Schedule time, daily where you’re away from your screen. It might be a walk, reading your book, meditating – whatever feels right to you.
Our screens can be overstimulating for us, plus it’s not great for helping us sleep! You’ll start to see a benefit instantly when you start doing this!
Creating a Sleep routine
Sleep is essential for all of us, we spend a third of our lives sleeping! It’s when our mind and body try and heal themselves and is important for everyone – chronic illness or not.
However, sleep for us with chronic illnesses can be difficult sometimes. From medication side effects to chronic pain, it can really affect us. You’d think having chronic fatigue would make it easier to sleep – but that’s not always the case!
Creating a sleep routine will help your brain know it’s time for bed, and hopefully help calm you and bring a sense of zen to your life.
Looking for more wellbeing tips for chronic illness? Then the Roadmap to Wellbeing course is for YOU. Doors are open til 4th October 2020. Click here to find out more
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