A Self-Care Sunday Ritual for Rest & Renewal

A Self-Care Sunday Ritual for Rest & Renewal

​You Matter.  The way you feel, your energy levels and your emotional state all matter.  If you are completely depleted all of the time it will be very difficult for you to achieve success in all areas in your life.  So, while you constantly put yourself and your needs on the backburner with a "I'll get to it later" mindset and put all your focus on others you are actually robbing both your loved ones and yourself of a better way.  One where you are energized, positive and fully able show up in the world and be the best you for them and for yourself! So, stop making excuses, get rid of the guilt, as it's not serving anyone, and set some time aside for you to re-fill your cup each week.  I have put together a Self-Care Sunday Ritual that will help you rest, restore and renew to be prepared for the week to come and to honor yourself and your needs. 
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​Self-Care Sunday Ritual:

1.   20 mins to jump start the day.  
 
When you first wake up, take 10 minutes to move your body.  Do some stretches, or try one of these 10 minute workout videos I put together HERE to get your blood flowing.  Then immediately follow the exercise routine with a 10 minute meditation.   In this case do whatever meditation style suits you best.  The best free tool that I have found is an app called "Insight Timer" that has thousands of different kinds of meditations both guided and non-guided for you to choose from and you can also choose the duration, in this case 10 minutes.  You can find more out on the app HERE.  This will get your day started with you in the right state and energy.
 
2.   Brunch.  

Now prepare yourself a nice brunch.  Make yourself your favorite type of breakfast food being mindful and taking time to actually enjoy the preparation.  Maybe listen to some music or your favorite podcast and try to really focus on enjoying the process.  Make yourself some coffee or tea, a smoothie or juice and then when all is ready, sit down and slowly eat your meal.  Try to savor each bite and reflect on the different textures, tastes and flavors of your food all while being grateful to be so privileged as to have a meal such as this.  This will nourish you and also put you in a mindful state enjoying the here and the now.
 
3.   Fresh air & Creativity.  

At some point during the afternoon get outside for some fresh air and take a walk.  It could be just a short walk around the block or a long hike in the forest.  Just take some time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.  Then upon return to the house take some time to be creative.  This could be by reading a book, painting, drawing, crafting, writing, taking pictures, (you could take pictures on your walk 2-for-1) baking or creating a recipe, etc. (Check out Pinterest if you need some inspiration) The idea is to take some time get out of your head and make something.  It doesn't have to be finished in one session you it is something that you could come back to each Sunday.
 
4.   Plan & Reflect.  

Take 15-20 minutes with your journal/planner and reflect on the past week.  What went well?  What didn't go so well?  What can you learn from that and change, improve, add-in, etc.  Did you take steps toward your personal goals?  If yes, celebrate yourself, if no, journal on to how you can ensure this is a priority in the future.  Then, take a few minutes to plan the upcoming week.  What are your top priorities for the week?  What are  your daily 3 top to-do's that you must focus on first, what are your deadlines, how can you best  focus your time next week to tackle the most important items first? 
 
By doing this exercise you are getting closure from the previous week and gaining clarity and learning from the self-reflection process making you proactive and setting yourself up for future success.  Further, by taking time to set-up and schedule your upcoming week you are ensuring your priorities are in focus and are not as susceptible to having the priorities of others take over. Thus you are more clear and in control of what's coming which can add some comfort to our racing minds.  Finally, by carving out time for your goals you are taking the necessary steps to ensure you get closer and closer to your dreams.   This feels good! And it only took 20 minutes.

5.   Relax.  

In the evening, run yourself a bubble bath, make yourself a tea (or a sparkling wine ?) pick up your book, favorite music, or iPad with your favorite show to bring to the bath with you. Give yourself a facial and hair treatment so you feel at your best.  Then sit back relax, soak and enjoy to rest and you time.

 
I know that even with the perfect intentions it is difficult to carve out large chunks of time for ourselves especially if you have kids.  But each of these self-care ideas are short and can be sprinkled in throughout your day so you can ensure to get them in.  You will feel so much better for doing these things and it really will set you up for success in the upcoming weeks, so give it a try.
 
Design YOUR Life ~ Be Authentic.  Be You.  Be Sharp.

Selfcare Sunday