A few weeks ago one of wisest friends confessed to not going into work that day — only she didn’t express it as being sick or playing hooky — but confidently declared that she was in need of a self-care day and was going to make that happen for herself, right away.
“Self-care?” I said. “What on earth is that, anyway?”
Apparently, if you have to ask about the concept, you may likely be in need of a self-care day!
Essentially, it’s time to self-reflect, soothe, take care of yourself first and recharge your batteries for the everyday outputs that can deplete us. Or, if you are a person experiencing a crisis, such as a divorce, health issue, job drama, etc., self-care is like the oxygen mask hanging from the airplane console in case of an emergency. You are always instructed to pull down and put your own mask on first, before helping others.
Self-care also works that way. If you are healthy and cared for — and can breathe easily — you are in a much better position to be present for the challenges and inevitable crises of everyday life.
First she was going to a yoga class, my friend explained. Then she had a hair appointment and a manicure booked back-to-back. She was going to finish off the evening by watching a movie of her choice (a romantic comedy, maybe) with a bowl of popcorn and likely, a beer, maybe two.
“Sounds like heaven,” I said, feeling like I was late to the self-care party. But within minutes of our conversation, an invitation for an evening of self-care landed in my inbox and I signed up.
Two lovely local women, Georgia Cyr of Blissful Yoga and Carly Daley of Modern Hippie Housewife offered a self-care evening in Sechelt in October (with Source for Sports, Lolë and Float Sechelt) that featured two of my favourite things: yoga and handmade beauty products.
The intention behind the workshop, Replenish Your Well, captured the self-care concept: if you replenish your body and mind regularly you will have more to offer to others, naturally and authentically, from deep within.
Cyr’s suggestions for a restorative yoga practice, even if just a few poses offers inspiration to unwind. The Butterfly and Forward Fold poses invite intention inward for example, while Cat/Cow and Pigeon offers flexibility and openness. Supported Fish (using a bolster or blanket) is another opening pose offering emotional release by stimulating the heart chakra. A Reclined Twist released tension from the lower back and opens the outer hips. For further inspiration visit blissfulyogasechelt.com
Daley’s inspired facial recipes use simple natural ingredients to cleanse, exfoliate, tone and hydrate, all from the comfort of your own home. Simply the tips for setting the mood — slipping into a cozy outfit, making a cocktail or tea or lighting some relaxing essential oils — were enough to relax me. The facial, including hydrating face mask, was a bonus treat. For more recipes and self-care beauty tips, visit modernhippiehousewife.com.
