There are a lot of ideas in society about ways to practice self-care. While expensive spa treatments and Zen retreats may be appealing, it is not necessary to go broke pursuing a well balanced lifestyle. There are plenty of activities women can work into their weekly routine to nurture themselves that have little or no price tag attached.
Open Your Soul to Song
Creating music can be an effective mood booster. It's not necessary to be able to carry a tune or create first class lyrics. Just grab a notebook, jot down thoughts, feelings or dreams, think up a melody (it doesn't have to be perfect or even recognizable) and belt out a tune.
Declutter a Room
Find a space that lends itself to being peaceful. Clear out anything that doesn't belong there and turn it into a soul refreshing oasis. If home clutter is an issue Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett suggests in her book “The Well Ordered Home” that people should set realistic goals rather than attempt to tackle an entire house at once. The goals should be simple and easy to achieve.
Feed Your Body
Treat the body to a variety of fruits and vegetables that will provide nutrients essential for maintaining good physical health by boosting the immune system.. The World Health Organization indicated in an article titled “Nutrition for Health and Development” that “better nutrition means stronger immune systems, less illness and better health”. (2008). The benefits of making this choice can have long lasting positive results.
Give Service
Doing something to help someone can be very therapeutic. The activity can be as simple as holding a door for someone, or something more detailed such as offering to walk someone's dog or do errands for a busy or incapacitated neighbor. Volunteering is another good way to do service, but be careful not to get roped into over-committing.
Feed Your Brain
Just as the body and soul needs rejuvenation, so does the brain. Think about a subject that has always been particularly interesting and start the research. The Internet and the public library are great sources of free information, as are University campus libraries. Some community colleges also offer free or inexpensive workshops on a variety of topics of interest.
The regular practice of spending time refreshing and nurturing the body and soul will serve to maintain optimum health as well as help to rejuvenate energy levels. Activities don't have to be costly to be effective. A few moments spent on a daily or weekly basis can have long lasting, positive effects in all areas of life.
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