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What are your self-care intentions for this new year? We all need to think about adding some self-care to our schedules at least a few days per week. This doesn’t have to be time-consuming! It can be as simple as a 10-minute break from your daily life. You would be surprised what you can accomplish in a day when it’s planned out more efficiently! In other words, time management skills are a must to learn in order to get the most out of the day and fit in some me-time. This is still a work in progress for me and not so easy to do.
When I was thinking about what I can do to step up my own self-care intentions, I landed on allowing myself to accept help and enjoy some little gifts. It makes you feel good when you allow that in your life instead of giving constantly. It is ok. You are worth it.
Reflecting on My Self-Care Intentions
Writing my thoughts down is always so helpful when it comes to figuring out what I need to do and how I can improve. I keep it simple. For example, I write out a few goals for myself that aren’t too overwhelming but something that will keep me accountable. After reflecting a while on what I need this year, the first thing that popped into my head was this thought…DON’T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF!
I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to eat healthy, exercise, and live that healthy lifestyle because, after all, I am a Wellness Coach. It can get overwhelming at times, to be honest. Then I get anxious and it’s a vicious cycle. Mindset is at the top of my list to work on this year.
In addition, I want to focus on my health and allow myself to be in the present moment. VERY hard to do when you are an introvert and think way too much about every little thing! One day at a time. That’s all we can do.
An Enjoyable Self-Care Practice
Part of my self-care practice this year is indulging in some extra gifts that help me feel pampered. I started receiving TheraBox subscription boxes as a gift for Christmas and I am in love! It is pretty budget-friendly and worth every penny. Every month you receive a box full of goodies to enjoy such as beauty products, accessories, and a happiness boosting activity. This one is a top trending box and now I know why.
The box comes with a guide describing in detail what the products are.
Last month I received a hydrating serum, truffle cleansing oil, sugar polish, cute beanie, silk robe, makeup sponge, and hair mask. Last month’s happiness boosting activity was a box of intention cards from Gratitude Glass Jars. In addition, I received a reflection workbook to write goals and intentions for the new year. I can’t wait for this month’s box to arrive!
A New Self-Care Facebook Group
Because I love to give back, I wanted to share my knowledge and expertise in a new way. I have been wanting to start a Facebook group for a while. I finally got the courage to do it and am enjoying it so much! My plan is to offer a safe place to discuss self-care and stress management and build a fun and supportive community for women.
That box of intention cards in my Therabox was so inspiring I decided to use them for a challenge in my private Facebook group. I plan on having lots of new challenges and inspirational info to share within the group in the future as well. It is never too late to join!
Check out the Simple Self-Care & Stress Solutions Facebook group here!
This challenge has been so thought-provoking and intense but fun! Therefore, I wanted to share it in 3 parts because there is a lot of ground to cover. Grab a journal and take some time to reflect on your answers. You may just find an answer you have been searching for!
The First 10 Intentions
Day 1 – Joy
What is 1 thing you can do to find more joy? How often will you make this happen?
Day 2 – Energy
What gives you energy?
Day 3 – Gifts
What are your personal gifts? Are you implementing them into daily life?
Day 4 – Needs
What important needs do you have that are not being met? How can you receive them going forward?
Day 5 – Nurture
What are your favorite ways to nurture yourself mentally, physically, spiritually? Are you doing these regularly?
Day 6- Values
What values are important to you? Are you living in ways not aligned to these values?
Day 7- Pride
What are you proud of achieving in your life to date? Do you remind yourself of your accomplishments?
Day 8 – Relationships
Do you surround yourself with positive or negative people? Are they adding benefit to your life?
Day 9 – Desires
What are your most burning desires? Are you fulfilling them?
Day 10 – STOP
What do you need to stop worrying about? What steps will you take to let go?
Credit: Gratitude Glass Jars. www.gratitudeglassjars.com
Take Action on Your Self-Care Intentions
The first step in becoming a better version of yourself is to ask these tough questions. And then after reflecting you are equipped to take some action to make changes if needed. Take the time you need to discover what is holding you back from living an enjoyable and positive life. We are all in need of some self-love. It will help to cope with stressful times. Plus, when you love yourself it is easy to love others. And we need more love in our world today.
Stay tuned for another 10 self-care intentions coming up in my next post. Until then… don’t be hard on yourself and be grateful for what you have already.
Find the subscription box that fits your needs! Check out the hundreds of options. Start here!
xoxo
Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.
Holly
Great tips and advice! Self-care intentions are the most important.. if we don’t take care of ourselves… we can’t take care of others!
Jill DeMasi
Thanks, Holly. That is so true!
Sabrina DeWalt
I am intrigued by this box. Sounds fun, but I would worry that I wouldn’t use everything each month.
Jill DeMasi
It is really fun! I use the majority of products. You don’t have to get it every month. There are options to get it once and believe you can skip too.
Chelsea
I love your self-care intentions. The questions really got me thinking. And it’s nice to spend time thinking about something for myself!
Jill DeMasi
That’s great, Chelsea. Hope you get something out of it!
Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com
I have good intentions – but you know what they say about those … “The road to H***” is paved with them.
It’s good to have a plan.
Jill DeMasi
It is good to have a plan always!
Debbie
Oh yeh!! A self care box arriving at my door would not make me feel the least bit guilty. Love this.
Jill DeMasi
That’s good Debbie! We need to embrace taking care of ourselves and having little treats to celebrate!
Tiffany
I love setting smaller goals, I always go so grand and then usually end up disappointing myself! Least I dust myself off and continue onward, and love the idea of setting intentions!
Jill DeMasi
I like to think of them as intentions instead of goals. Less overwhelming!
lisa manderino
I just love the boxes with fun stuff to make me feel great!
Jill DeMasi
Me too! It’s a happy day when that box arrives 🙂
Keirsten
I love your 10 intentions. Self-care is so important, I love that this is becoming more of an acknowledged thing! <3
Jill DeMasi
Yes, it is nice that more women are starting to realize self-care is not selfish but well deserved and needed!
Barbara
GREAT self care ideas and motivations!
Jill DeMasi
Thanks, Barbara! Hope you were inspired 🙂
Cindy
Self care is so important.
Jill DeMasi
Yes, should be at the top of our lists!
Sandi Barrett
Why is self care always last on the list of to-dos? I do find it’s easier now that my kids are grown 🙂
Jill DeMasi
I agree it is easier when the kids are older and are less dependant on us!
Tiffany
I got a few of my friends to sign up for your group and everyone loves it!
Jill DeMasi
Thanks so much, Tiffany! I appreciate you sharing it. It has been fun!
Suzan
Definitely need to turn some love on me a bit more! Thanks for the reminders
Jill DeMasi
Say yes to self-love!
Melissa | It's a Joyous Journey
Great ideas! That little box would be such a treat to receive! I’m going to take a look at that.
Jill DeMasi
It is a nice treat for sure!
Cecile
Taking care of ourselves is so important. It give you strength to be able to take care of others.
Jill DeMasi
So true we need as much strength as we can get!
Marianne
Looks like a really great box! I’m finding it more and more important to really consider self-care with the pandemic continuing into its second year now. Making sure my kids are doing the same.
Jill DeMasi
Even kids need self-care too!
Kristin
Awesome post. I like the breakdown with the daily intentions simplified! I need to up my self care game. Thanks for the gentle reminder.
Jill DeMasi
One day at a time 🙂
Elizabeth
These are great steps! Self-care is so important for happiness and mental health.
Jill DeMasi
Thanks, Elizabeth. I am trying to help people with their mental health and hope to be a light!
Ashley Pacheco
All of those were great points to stop and think about, I did!
Jill DeMasi
Good to stop and think about stuff every once in a while!
Sandra Whitmore
Congratulations on your new FB group. I am sure it is needed.
Jill DeMasi
Thanks, Sandra! It has been a lot of fun!
Maya
Self- care is not selfish. We all need it!
Jill DeMasi
Yes, it is so important to keep up with!
Cindy Moore
Self care is so vital! And I didn’t know there was a self care box!