_{What is self-care? How does it affect the quality of your life?}

_{The discovery of self-care changed my life in ways I did not know were possible. Growing up, my mother kept my sister and I away from what she called “pampering.” She believed that it was unnecessary, and made little girls feel “self-important.” But is there actually anything wrong with feeling important and special? I think not! I remember that we did not buy scented candles, or get our nails done, or learn how to take proper care of our skin. Today, these are all a basic part of my self-care. And although self-care is unique to each individual, I believe it is rooted in the nurturing of your mind, soul, and body, and is the most loving act you can do for yourself.}

_{The most valuable thing I have learned about self-care is that it heals. It brings you back to yourself, almost like you’ve hit pause for a moment. Self-care is what every mother should teach her children. And though it has been underrated- even misunderstood-it is essential for healthy living. Because people who have learned how to properly care for, and listen to themselves are much less anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. Oh, and they are also happier!}

_{So what is self-care? I believe that it reaches far beyond eating one’s favorite delicacy or spending an outrageous amount of money on a fancy outfit. Self-care is the choice you make, daily, to nurture yourself, with love and awareness. This choice can mean saying no when you’re pressured to say yes, or going to bed early with your favorite book. It can also mean ruthlessly editing out the things in your environment that pollute or threaten your peace. Self-care is you listening to yourself. And with time, you will find that you’ve built a castle for yourself; a life that you finally need no escape from. This, I believe, is the Art of Self-care.}

_{THE 5 ELEMENTS OF SELF-CARE}

_{l. Mental
ll. Physical
lll. Emotional
lV. Spiritual
V. Your environment}

YOUR ENVIRONMENT.

_{I am beginning with environment because I believe that it is an incredibly crucial part of self-care. For me, it is the foundation. Our environments affect us subconsciously in ways we are not aware of. They set the tone, and affect the paces of our minds, sometimes even the feelings of our bodies. I believe that environment is everything and should always be included in your journey of self-care.}

_{1. KEEP A BOUQUET OF FRESH FLOWERS}

_{Fresh flowers have a special way of bringing life and colour into a space. They seem to miraculously engage the senses with their fragrance and beauty.}

_{While you could pick up a bouquet at your local florist or market, there is yet a possibly more rewarding option: find, and pick them yourself! You can research the wildflowers that grow in your area during summer/spring months, grab yourself a pair of sheers, and set off with a basket or tote. Make it your own little adventure! Choose the colors, shapes, types and sizes of each flower. Breath in the fresh air, soak up the sunshine, smell the aromas of the flowers…}

_{While not everyone has access to open fields of flowers, it can be quite satisfying to search out the places where flowers do grow. Sometimes you can find them in the most unexpected places! But make sure they are indeed growing wild, and not the product of someone’s careful nurturing. I have once or twice as a young girl, nearly plucked from someone’s road-side garden. It was a good thing the neighbors were understanding. At any rate, even if you come back empty handed, you may find that you feel refreshed. Not every Nature walk yields a bouquet of flowers, but it can give you a sense of connection to yourself and to the earth.}

_{2. DECLUTTER YOUR LIVING SPACE}

_{I realize that for some people a cluttered space is connected to feelings of comfort and home. But for many, it is just another sign of a crammed schedule, high stress levels, and not enough time in the day to get everything accomplished. And what if it also contributes to the stress? I’m not talking about the desk scattered with papers, cards, and schedules. That has its own little charm. I mean the bedroom, the closet, the intimate places that should bring you comfort, not chaos. Those deserve your attention and time. I feel that there is something very soothing about a decluttered space. And oddly enough, the experience of decluttering is also kind-of therapeutic. Try it out, maybe you will think so too.}

_{3. LIGHT A CANDLE}

_{Candles. What is it about candles? I don’t think that you can ever go wrong with candles: scented, unscented, tiny, tall, in a glass jar, placed elegantly in a candelabra…the list goes on. But don’t consider it an over-indulgence and invest in a few beautiful candles. They are an effortless way to calm your senses, create ambiance, and soften your environment.}

_{4. CHANGE YOUR SHEETS}

^{This is one very underrated act of care. But what feels better than a fresh set of sheets? I can not think of many things! Some people make it a routine, but I like to change them purposefully. Not that routine isn’t encouraged, because it is. But routine can feel imprisoning, and is frequently considered something we do out of necessity. So lets leave routine to the alarm clock and the roosters. And the sheets? Change them mindfully. What a lovely feeling, the cleanness and the fresh smell!}

YOUR MENTAL

_{How often do we neglect the mental part of our self-care? If we do not nurture our minds, then how are we to take on the world? How can we avoid break-downs and overload? How can we even think straight? I ask myself these questions a lot because I realize that like everything, our minds can be nurtured into power, or suffer from neglect and become weak. And it does not take an enormous amount of energy, or even much money. You can start small, and build bigger over time.}

_{1. READ YOUR FAVORITE BOOK}

_{Lets get right to it then, literature! Your mind’s best friend. Now not everyone is an avid reader, or a “book worm,” and some do not enjoy reading at all. But there is something special about your favorite book–whether it is composed of poetry, short stories, fiction, or non-fiction. I feel that while reading expands your vocabulary, it also provides an escape from everyday trifles/bothers, and…from the clamor of your thoughts. So next time you are feeling overwhelmed, maybe pick up that favorite book and unapologetically explore its pages until you’re totally lost within them. What a simple luxury this can be!}

_{2. TAKE A MOMENT AWAY FROM YOUR PHONE}

_{I think it goes without saying, the affect that technology has on modern lives. There are few moments when it is not present, with its unlimited information and constant stimulus right at our fingertips. And while it has created convenience and opportunity, it has also affected our ability and willingness to make meaningful connections, engage with others, and to go deep within ourselves.}

_{Humans are wired towards connection, and not only is it fulfilling, it is necessary. But what we don’t often talk about, is the need to unplug and recharge our mental batteries. There have been many times when I have set my phone aside with feelings of utter exhaustion and over-stimulation.}

_{This is where self-care comes in. And the key is to become so self-aware that you know your limits, and that you honor yourself in endorsing them even when it is hard. You will find that on the other side of this is your fullest, well-cared for, caring self. It is impossible to give your best to the world when you have emptied yourself without recharging. So next time you start to feel overwhelmed, try taking a moment away from your phone and engage in the fresh air of life. You may find that you not only feel rejuvenated, but that it wasn’t so bad after all!}

_{3. FIND THE BEAUTY IN JOURNALING}

_{Not everyone enjoys journaling, but incidentally– it is an excellent way to express yourself freely and authentically. Often when I write, I feel a sense of calm. I believe that everyone deserves a release, and though yours may be different from mine, writing about your day can be a beautiful form of self-care. It does not need to sound poetic or pretty; your intention is to relax, release, and feel your thoughts. This can be difficult at first, it can also be positively enlightening. And if you are hesitant at first, start by finding a journal that is pleasing your eyes. Ignore the price tags; indulge a little… Just start with that.}

_{4. PRACTICE GRATITUDE}

_{There is something so beautiful about the word gratitude. It is the simple act of recognizing, and acknowledging good in our lives. It shields us from negativity, eliminates stress, and heals us mentally and emotionally. Gratitude is a feeling, and it starts with becoming aware of the things that we often take for granted.}

_{Examples are: Good health, clean water, food, a home, friends, pets, ability to work/provide for yourself, the sunshine, the moon at night, nature as a whole, et cetera.}

_{The list is unending, if you begin to think about it. And the truth? Our lives are shaped by our perspectives. We can just as easily list all of the things for which we are aren’t grateful. But it is not nearly so satisfying and immediately re-wires our brains to look towards the negative while ignoring all of the beautiful things happening all around us. And I sincerely believe that there are more things to be grateful for than to be ungrateful for. So why do we allow one negative thing to steal our peace, and hurl our minds into impending doom? Gratitude is a balm. It heals, and most of all- it is the ultimate self-care.}

YOUR PHYSICAL.

_{On to the part where life becomes your luxury. And get ready to meet your new, more confident self!}

_{1. CREATE A SKINCARE ROUTINE}

_{The skincare ritual has not only a skin-changing effect, but a life-changing one too. From choosing your favorite skincare brands, to admiring the beautiful bottles on your bathroom shelf, to waking up to glowing skin, there is something strangely satisfying about curating your own special skincare routine. Some people enjoy simple routines, and others turn their cabinets into miniature apothecaries. Go at your own pace, and build into it. When I discovered skincare when I was around 16, it brought me into extra confidence, and feelings of a loveliness that I had not felt before. Many aspects of self-care may not be visible to others, but the effects surely are. We tell our stories on our expressions of confidence. When we are feeling beautiful and cared for, it shows. It shows everywhere.}

_{2. TAKE A BATH}

_{Pardon me, but this one just can’t be left out. Baths are an especial way to relax not only your body, but also your mind. It is amazing what warm water, and a few candles can achieve! And while some people have gotten the idea that bathing is only for getting clean, it is also for destressing, relaxing, or for just enjoying! So next time you feel like a little pampering, light a few candles, and take a bath.}

_{3. INVEST IN YOUR OWN SPECIAL PERFUME}

_{The world of perfume is mysterious, luxurious, and captivating. And it is a world in which every woman should take a part. Not so much for the world outside, but for you. It is something that not only alerts your finer senses and brings you into touch with your body, but it also gives you a touch of confidence. If you have a signature scent, you know that when you wear it, you just feel beautiful. And this is one act of self-care that will never go out of style!}

_{4. GO FOR A CUP OF COFFEE}

_{This is one of my very favorite things to do. Not so much because I have a coffee craze, but because coffee shops have that special “something” about them. If you don’t yet know what I mean, you should find out without hesitation! It is such a simple little pleasure–going for a cup of coffee. You could take a girl friend, or you could go alone. You could have a latte, but you could also have tea.}

_{5. GIVE YOURSELF A MANICURE}

_{Never underestimate the power of well-groomed fingernails. I had no idea how much ungroomed nails could affect my confidence, until I walked out of the salon for the first time feeling like some kind of goddess. This was when I decided to invest in a mini manicure set, and cuticle cream, so that I could care for my nails properly at home. Not only is it relaxing, but it is a perfect example of self-care.}

_{6. REST}

_{I believe that the highest form of self-care is rest. All forms of self-care revolve around your ability to be aware of, and respect your body’s need for rest. And I have found that no amount of pampering will be effective if I neglect to rest properly. We are all guilty. We push ourselves to get things done, feel guilty when we don’t, and then eventually just break down. This is not proper self-care! Listen to the gentle voice of your body, as it nudges you to rest. Tune into it. And as you find your body calmer, and your mind stronger, you will understand that your body really does know best. As for guilt, it must be ignored. It is no friend to self care, or to a woman with a mission. So rest, and know that your fullest self begins…with the Art of Self-care.}