S E L F C A R E T I P S

S E L F    C ^ R E 

A buzzword that’s at the forefront of most conversations in all spaces these days.  From corporate office spaces, to small business and staff, to stay at home mums and dads and to the everyday individual that’s just trying to keep all balls in the air while wearing many hats in one day. 

I love that it’s become a buzzword, in fact it’s my favourite word and the intention behind the brand here at B ^ R E movement.  Unfortunately I don’t feel the action has followed the intention as much as we would have hoped and as a stylist I am seeing more and more of my clients stepping into the studio in a space of overwhelm, anxiety and stress. 

I felt it was time to reconnect, drop a line so to speak and encourage you all to find stillness amongst the chaos that is our daily lives.  

Especially as the silly season approaches and on the edge of finalising our year and closing a decade. (Big deal here)

The thing is that life is always going to life.  

Like the tides we will find moments where we pull back, retreat, unhook from all the chaos and stand still, we sink deep within to the bottom of our own being and enjoy the gentle lapping of the universe at our feet.   

It’s here we have the opportunity to recharge, reconnect, be whole and complete and need for nothing or no one to give us the permission to rest and simply be.    

And then like the tides we discover a new found courage and intention and charge forth, rolling forward with such effortless force and create, dance and play.  

More commonly we see ourselves doing the charge, the hustle, the get sh*t done, the create until this wears us too thin, and we begin to burn out, sit in stress response and fall ill. 

So if this is just how it is and life will just life, how does one hold onto those moments of calm, less overwhelm and peace?   

It’s as easy as turning yourdaily habits into self care rituals, increasing your awareness and tweaking your reactions and responses so that whatever comes your way, you are prepared, not attached and can come from a space of calm.  

 Self care can and does look and feel different to everyone, which is why we feel it's important to emphasise that it requires even the smallest pocket sized moments of time and intention in order to lean IN.  

Mindfulness and wellbeing are amplified and massaged when we put particular things into practice.   

• 1. Gratitude - as each day rises and you step out of your bed, it’s in saying the words 'Thank You' that you let go of any tension and allow gratitude for each breath and for being in the moment.  The more you learn to say these simple words, the easier it becomes to forgive and take radical self responsibility in life.   

• 2. Go Outside - in order to truly nurture ourselves we need to break away from all the noise, the to do lists and distractions.   Take a moment to walk away from your computer, turn off the TV and step outside and relish in the sensation of the ground at your feet, the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin.  Listen to the leaves rustle in the trees as the wind sweeps through and lifts away any thoughts in your mind that no longer serve you.   

 

• 3. Act on what you need over what you want -  you are in the practice of self love when you can turn away from something that feels good and exciting to what you need to stay strong, centered, and moving forward in your life, instead. By staying focused on what you need, you turn away from automatic behavior patterns that get you into trouble, keep you stuck in the past, and lessen self-love.  (this one requires constant awareness)

 

• 4. Meditate - this doesn’t have to require a class or an hour of your day.   Meditation can be whatever you decide it to be.  5 minute practices are just as effective when the intention to unhook and be still has been set.             Our B ^ R E intention candles and organic body oils are a great way to help you set that intention prior to your meditation practice.  The magic is in the moment to moment awareness.  From creating space and time to be still, choosing a candle, lighting the candle and or applying your body oils and setting the intention to focus.

 

• 5. Live Intentionally- you learn to accept and love yourself more when you live with purpose and design. You don't have to be crystal clear on your purpose, it could still be something your working towards, but I invite you to begin the process.  Your intention could be to to live a meaningful and healthy life, maybe it's to be of service to others, leave others better than how you found them, what every it is you will make decisions that support this intention, and in turn feel good about yourself when you succeed in this purpose. 

 

• 6. Set Boundaries - know what depletes you physically, emotionally and or spiritually.  When you start saying NO and setting limits to these things and or others, you begin to value your self, your time, your energy and your space more. 

 

• 7. Practice Self Care-  take better care of and prioritise your basic needs.  Nourish yourself daily through healthy activities, like sound nutrition, exercise, good sleep, intimacy and healthy social interactions.  There are books and podcasts readily available to help support you in all of these arenas.   Choose one at a time and take small actions steps to move you closer to creating healthier habits. 

 

• 8. Practice mindfulness- when you are mindful, you tend to have a better idea on what you think, feel, need and want.  You begin to choose with a broader awareness, become more confident in who you are and act on this knowledge rather than on what others expect or want from you.

 

• 9. Turn daily habits into self care rituals - it's the simplest tasks that create opportunities for self care.   From washing our face, brushing our teeth, having a shower, applying our lotions, to lighting a candle.  Each task something we do each day and when done with an intention to be fully present, amplify our connection to self.  The next time your in the shower, imagine the water in a brilliant white light and allow it to wash away any attachments, projections, emotions or conclusions you've created throughout the day.   Each of our products are infused with quality essential oils to help support you through your self care journey and when applied with intention can help transport you to that space.  Check out our body wash that's infused with black pepper oil to help detox the mind and body. 

 

• 10. Stay kind to yourself - it’s ok to feel all the feels, to move effortlessly like the tides and roll with the wind.  Stay kind to yourself and trust the process.  You have to accept your humanness (the fact that you are not perfect), before you can truly love yourself. Practice being less hard on yourself when you make a mistake. Remember, there are no failures, there are only lessons learned. 

The more you practice the art of self care, the easier it becomes to navigate your way through life with less comparison, less judgement and with more ease, confidence and joy.   

Turn daily habits into self care rituals, fill your cup and fall in love with the becoming. 

If you are looking for the perfect gift for your self of a loved one this Christmas, check out our range of high vibrational products that amplify the self care experience.