Well, so far in my journey of self-study I have attended as many yoga classes as my time allows. Being gentle with myself, I have also canceled my registration when my body felt called to just stay home. At one point my wrist and forearm became very sore like a pinched nerve. It lasted a few days. I enjoyed a professional massage with a little extra attention to my forearm. I purchased a copper sleeve and was being as gentle with my right arm as possible for the next 2 days. I periodically massaged my arm with therapeutic oils and doubled up on my turmeric supplement. The love I gave to that part of my body in those two days reminded me that my whole body needs those same moments of love on a regular basis, not just when it's ailing.

With that being said I started massaging my feet and lower legs with oil at night. I do it right as I get into bed. It feels so luxurious and sweet to spend this time caring for what carries you around all day. I have noticed a couple nights when I was really tired, I didn't want to do it, I just really wanted to go to bed. But as I started to put my feet down under the covers something felt off. I felt incomplete when I tried to lay down. I picked myself back up, gave myself the love I required and melted back into bed feeling complete.

Your body will tell you what you need, we just have to listen. The little routines I have from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed are so important to me. If I don’t do some part of it, I somehow feel off. These are some of my most important self-care routines. Taking 5 minutes before bed to massage my feet helps to relax my body and my mind. Each part of the routine has a purpose in some way to help honor and love my body and myself.

I have touched on many aspects of self-care in the past few months. From making smart financial decisions to slowing down and enjoying nature more. I have taken the time to really pay attention to my body. I have had many conversations ending in laughter and even giving myself the space to shed much-needed tears. Becoming aware of what feeds my energy as well as what drains it and doing my best to find balance in every situation is an ongoing practice. I continue to learn something new about myself every day.

What is one of your essential daily routines? How does it help you honor your body? And what about your mind?