[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]How do you take care of yourself? What do you do- every day- to balance your work/life schedule and stress? Are you living your life- or just getting through your week?

I hesitate to use the word “Self-Care” because it has become so trendy and implies your ability to take time off work, or use an expensive plant- based mask as part of your beauty routine. Self care doesn’t have to be extensive, or expensive, to be effective. It’s not escaping your life and your responsibilities. But it is essential and it should be part of your daily routine. I break down Self-Care into 3 Categories: Freedom, Connection and Self-Love. All of these suggestions are ways to live a more balanced life!

Freedom: Recognize when you need space. Notice when you feel bound, restless, heavy. Give yourself small breaks in the day to walk away from your tasks. Take time for stillness and meditation. Unplug from your phone. Say “NO” to opportunities that don’t align with your purpose and say “YES” loudly to those that do!

Connection: Connect daily to others and to yourself. Phone or text a friend. Get outside! Create a dance party while you are making dinner. Laugh often. Do something for yourself just because it makes you happy. Practice yoga as often as you can. Do anything that makes you feel nourished: read, write, knit, bake.

Self-Love: You are worth it. Your needs are important. Don’t compete with yourself, but be gentle and forgiving. Create rituals that make you feel grounded and calm. Eat well to feel well. And splurge once in awhile! Get enough sleep. Take 5 deep breaths. Just do 1 thing at a time. And, carve out time to do nothing at all.

If there is a goal for practicing yoga- let it be to live your life ON PURPOSE and filled with JOY and LOVE. Take care of yourself first so you can take care of others. It is not always easy to dedicate time for yourself, but you will feel more connected and more present as you build these practices into your daily routine. If you have other tips, let me know![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”4829″][/vc_column][/vc_row]