Hello there, Fellow Wanderers,
In the past few weeks, we've explored a myriad of ways to prioritize self-care, from the importance of setting boundaries to the benefits of meditation and the power of nourishing your body with wholesome foods. I want to take a different turn and invite you into my world of self-care. We all have our own unique routines and habits that help us to maintain our balance and well-being, this week, I'm excited to share some of mine with you. Self-care is a deeply personal journey, and by sharing my self-care habits, I hope to inspire you to explore new practices that resonate with you and create a sustainable self-care routine that fits into your life. So, let's dive into my self-care world and see how these practices have transformed my life and well-being.
There's something truly magical about a well-crafted morning routine, and I couldn't agree more with the sentiment of cherishing this special time. For me, too, my morning routine is an essential part of my day. When I'm at home, one of my cherished rituals is to prepare a delicious cup of lemon and honey and savour it on my balcony. Watching the morning sun rising over the mountains, breathing in cool, fresh air, and the calming presence of my cats curled up in the warm sunlight make this moment truly extraordinary. Even if I’m travelling, this is still a part of my routine that I take the time to do.
It's a time free from distractions, allowing me to be present in the moment and soak in the beauty of the world awakening around me. The vitamin D from the morning sun not only invigorates my body but also uplifts my spirit, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. The simple act of starting the day with this serene ritual brings me a sense of peace, connection with nature, and a feeling of well-being that's hard to match. This is just one of the self-care habits that I treasure, and I believe that finding these moments of solace and joy in our daily lives is essential for a healthy and balanced existence.
It's remarkable how life-altering experiences like the COVID-19 pandemic can lead us to reevaluate our priorities and discover new, enriching ways to create a healthy, balanced existence. My daily exercise routine has changed drastically, from quality time in the gym to more outdoor activities like morning swims, beach walks, and hiking. These experiences not only contribute to my physical well-being but also offer a multitude of other benefits that enrich my life. A positive takeaway from lock down days.
My morning swim routine, after tea on the balcony, in the quiet surrounds, especially in cold water, is incredibly invigorating. The cold-water immersion not only awakens your senses but also offers various health benefits, such as improved circulation and mood enhancement. It's a refreshing and energizing way to exercise, even if I do have to take the plunge a toe at a time! When the water is too cold, I simply chicken out and go for a leisurely walk on the beach. This still allows me to connect with the tranquillity of nature, absorb the soothing sounds of the ocean, grounding myself through the sand and breath in the crisp, salty air. It's a form of mindfulness that can center your thoughts and offer moments of introspection while getting those steps in.
As for steps, there's hiking – a perfect combination of physical exercise and the joy of exploring the great outdoors. The experience of conquering one of the Capes beautiful mountains not only keeps you fit and healthy but also provides a profound connection with nature and a sense of accomplishment. I truly love new hikes, exploring and photographing our unbelievable flora, it’s a cardio workout you hardly feel. I will definitely take a mountain walk over a treadmill any day now. The list of benefits from outdoor activities is indeed extensive. From increased fitness and health to enhanced mental well-being and a stronger connection with nature, I am truly grateful for my post-COVID approach to exercise, as it is a wonderful testament to the transformative power of natural self-care. It's also a reminder that self-care isn't just about looking after our bodies; it's about nurturing our souls and embracing the beauty of the world around us.
This beauty also fuels my creativity, as we know creativity is a powerful force that enables us to explore the depths of our own minds and the vastness of the world around us. My passion for photography beautifully exemplifies for me how creativity can be a profound means of self-expression and self-care, it’s a passion I have now integrated into a part of my weekly routine. I now set aside time to shoot images purely for the love of photography. These moments allow me to just create and then share a unique perspective, emotion or experience captured through my lense with you. It's a form of communication that transcends words, allowing others to connect with my visual storytelling and see the beauty, as I perceive it, in the natural world. Moreover, the act of photography itself can be a meditative and mindful practice. When you're behind the camera, you're fully present in the moment, attuned to the play of light, colour, and composition. This immersion in the creative process can offer a valuable mental break, providing a respite from the demands and stresses of daily life and often inspire a visual storytelling moment.
Incorporating creative activities into your self-care routine not only nurtures your passion but also allows you to explore new dimensions of yourself. It's a reminder that self-care is not just about relaxation and rejuvenation; it's also about self-discovery and personal growth. Your journey through any creative passion, be it photography, writing or design is a testament to the boundless potential of creative expression enriching our lives and feeding our souls.
A self-care habit I have worked hard to integrate not only into daily life but also into goal setting, is the conscious choice towards minimalism. I try to make sure I spend quality time decluttering or simplifying areas of my life and home.
Here are a few reasons why minimalism in your home is so important:
Reduced Stress: A cluttered environment often leads to a cluttered mind. The process of decluttering and embracing minimalism can help reduce stress and anxiety. When your living space is organized and free of unnecessary items, it becomes a sanctuary of calm and tranquillity.
Sustainable Lifestyle: Minimalism often goes hand in hand with sustainability. By owning and buying less, you reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to an eco-friendlier way of living.
Simplicity and Clarity: A minimalist home offers simplicity and clarity in design and function. This clarity extends to your thought processes and daily life. It's easier to find what you need, both in your physical surroundings and in your mental space.
Being married to a rock drummer is a truly unique and amazing experience. The rhythm and beat of music are known to be infectious, he brings a special kind of joy and vibrancy into everyday life. Drummers have an extraordinary ability to infuse energy into any space, and their passion for music can be truly contagious. Our home is always filled with music and laughter, this way of life is a form of self-care all on its own. We all have that one playlist that starts our day, settles our thoughts or is an integral part of road tripping. The constant presence of music in life, undoubtedly adds a wonderful dimension to any space or self-care habit. It's a beautiful reminder that music isn't just an art form; it's a way of life, a means of communication, and a source of connection, it can be a source of inspiration, comfort, and celebration.
If you are looking to add a form of music to your self-care routine, beyond your playlist, why not try drumming, it is not only a rhythmic and joyful form of self-expression but also has numerous positive benefits, including its meditative qualities. Here are some of the positive effects of drumming, particularly in terms of its meditative aspects:
Stress Reduction: Drumming, especially when done in a group setting, can help reduce stress and anxiety. The repetitive nature of drumming patterns and rhythms can have a calming effect on the mind, promoting relaxation.
Mindfulness: Drumming requires focus and concentration on the rhythms and patterns, which can lead to a state of mindfulness. It encourages you to be fully present in the moment, letting go of distractions and worries.
Improved Mood: Drumming stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural mood-enhancing chemicals. It can boost your mood, increase feelings of happiness, and reduce symptoms of depression.
Enhanced Creativity: Drumming can be a creative outlet. It allows for self-expression and the exploration of different rhythms and patterns, which can stimulate your creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Physical Benefits: Drumming is a physical activity that can provide exercise for your upper body, improve coordination, and strengthen hand-eye coordination. It can also help with fine motor skills.
Social Connection: Drumming circle sessions promote a sense of community and connectedness. Sharing the rhythm with others fosters a feeling of togetherness and unity.
Catharsis: Drumming can be a way to release pent-up emotions and stress. The act of hitting a drum can provide an emotional release and serve as a form of catharsis.
Spiritual Connection: For some, drumming can be a spiritual practice. It can be a way to connect with one's inner self, reach a state of transcendence, and explore spiritual aspects of life.
Enhanced Focus and Concentration: The repetitive nature of drumming can improve your ability to concentrate, which can have benefits in various aspects of your life, including work and daily tasks.
The meditative quality of drumming makes it a versatile and enjoyable way to improve your overall well-being. Whether you engage in solo drumming or participate in group drumming sessions, the experience can be deeply therapeutic and transformative. It's a testament to the power of music and rhythm to bring balance and harmony to your life.
As life sweeps us away, it's easy to neglect the most important relationship we have—our relationship with ourselves. It's the act of intentionally nurturing our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and it's a journey we should embark on each day.
From the simple joys of a morning ritual with a warm cup of lemon and honey, to the invigorating embrace of nature through swimming and hiking, and the expressive power of creativity through photography and music, I have hopefully shared with you how self-care can take many forms. It's a deeply personal path, unique to each of us, yet bound by the common thread of enhancing our lives. It's the moments of tranquillity in minimalistic spaces, the rhythm of life's drumbeat, and the meditative quality of creative expression. It's an ongoing commitment to ourselves, a promise to prioritize our own well-being so we can be our best selves for others.
I encourage you to join me and take time each day for your own self-care, to nurture your mental, emotional, and physical health though habits or routines that work for you. By doing so, you not only fill your own cup but also have more to share with the world. As we've explored, self-care is the compass guiding us toward balance, joy, and a life well-lived. So, make a promise to yourself today to continue this self-care journey, knowing that you deserve the love and attention you so freely give to others.
Take care,
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