February is often thought of as a month when we receive love from others, but one could also change the narrative and look at one of the most celebrated months of the year as a personal reminder about the love you demonstrate to yourself.
With that in mind, I have a few questions for you:
- When was the last time you took the time for self-care?
- What are the ways that you express joy and appreciation for your body?
If you’re drawing a blank, here are some insights and tips that can jump-start your self-care journey.
One way to practice self-care is through mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a type of meditation practice that encourages a person to focus on the present moment with an emphasis on where you are, what you’re doing, and how you feel. The most interesting aspect of this type of meditative practice is “acknowledging” but not overreacting, judging or being overwhelmed with the things, people, or events and actions that may derail you in life.
Being mindful has been proven to have numerous health benefits, including:
- Stress Relief
- Lowered Blood Pressure Levels
- Depression Management
There has been so much success with the practice of mindfulness that more defined branches of the topic were developed in areas such as food. Food is the fuel that we use to survive, and it can play a significant role in health and wellness. More importantly, we should acknowledge our relationship with food and its role in our self-care journies. One way to explore this relationship is with mindful eating.
Often we are on-the-go with food, grabbing a quick snack out of the vending machine, eating quickly before the next meeting, or grabbing quick and ready meals from your favorite fast-food restaurant on the way home from work (and sneaking in quick bites between red lights 🙂 ). Research shows us that eating while distracted can lead to overeating and making poor meal choices, and that’s linked to higher levels of stress and anxiety. Embracing the principles of mindful eating has been shown to:
- Empower you to make healthier food choices
- Help you become more in tune with your body
- Assist with portion control
- Acknowledge hunger and satiety cues
So, I challenge you today to practice self-love with a meal of the day. Nourish your body and soul with a unique dining experience that encourages a distraction-free environment in which you savor each smell, taste, and sensation as you enjoy your meal. I can’t wait to hear all about it!
