What is Self-Care?

I am so happy to be writing from home! These past couple weeks have been insane with “summer flying.” I’d been warned about how busy the airline industry could get during the summer but I was not mentally prepared for all the reroutes and fast pace of things.

It’s so good to finally have moments to sit back and breathe. To enjoy the comforts of home (particularly the couch) and to check in with myself. I am intently focused on self-care during these few days of rest.

Yesterday my partner and I melted into the couch and today I have a little spa day planned. Not only that, but I also booked a psychic reading with someone I found through a podcast.

This got me thinking about self-care and what that really means. Self-care usually connotes images of women in face masks or getting massages, but there are so many other fun and creative ways that we can check in and take care of ourselves—physically, mentally, spiritually.

For me, today it means getting a psychic reading because it’s fun and it gives me spiritual direction.

Self-care could also mean taking the time out of the day to face time with good friends, getting lost in laughter and conversation, or driving to a random town for the hell of it.

Sometimes it’s not exciting per se, but it could be exactly what you need, like eating ice cream in the bath tub, or spending an entire day watching TV, letting your body fully relax and my mind drift for a while.

Sometimes it is more cliche for me— like getting my eyebrows and nails done so I can feel amazing on the inside and outside. (Personally, I’ve found a strong correlation between how I look and how I feel).

My point is: you get to decide what self care looks like for you and it’s important to take note of when you’re in dire need of it. Better yet, to recognize when you could use some lovin’ before you’re in serious need of it, and to incorporate it into some sort of routine. I know I need some attention when my body starts aching, my patience thins, and my mind falls down a negative spiral. It’s then that I know I have to make the time for myself and replenish.

What are your self-care methods? I would love to know! Respond back to this email or connect on instagram @gabrielammelgar

Love,

Gabriela

PS-

Last week I made a Youtube video titled “Surrender to a Bigger Plan.” It was inspired by reading “The Universe Has Your Back” & talks about how “surrendering” has created more peace and happiness in my life.

You can check it out here

I’m getting in the groove of creating weekly videos. If you’d like to subscribe, head to my youtube channel.

Prayer

I didn’t think I’d be writing about this topic—today, if at all. When you see the word “prayer” you may instinctively think, “religion,” which I understand is a weary subject for some. I get it. But this isn’t about that. This is about: surrender.

How much of your day to you attempt to control? How much of your life? I know I try and control most aspects of my life: from my morning routine, to the work I’m going to get done that day, my meals, my relationship, my thoughts and feelings, the fruition of my dreams…It can be overwhelming and exhausting, especially when things don’t go my way.

Lately what I’ve been doing with that overwhelm, is surrendering it. I do that by praying each morning. I light a candle, get down on my knees, and start off by thanking God/The Universe for all the great things I have going in life. I like to start off with gratitude because it makes me feel full, and reminds me that I’ve got more good things going than “bad” ones.

Then, I pray for help with whatever I’m struggling with and for the ability to stay present. I also ask God/The Universe to show me how I can best be of service that day. (Maybe I’ll write about this another time, but thinking about how you can help others and serve is a sure way to get out of your own head).

This new routine of mine has already created positive shifts in my day to day. When I pray I feel as if I’ve actually let go of some of the burden of doing it all on my own, and that I am being assisted and guided throughout the day. It’s a reminder that I’m constantly being heard and supported.

I was inspired to share this when I finished my prayer this morning and

thought it might be helpful for any of you that may be struggling to hold everything down on your own.

Remember that you can also pray in whatever way you feel comfortable. You can pray through a chant or a song. You can do it as you’re walking, or driving. You can make a little altar to pray to if you’d like, or just write down what you need help with; whatever floats your boat.

I think the important thing is to communicate with a higher power or your inner-guidance and to ask for help, or even just let it know what you’re thankful for.

art blur bright candlelight — Photo by Hakan Erenler on Pexels.com