When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.

- Anne Lamont -

The Oxford Dictionary defines self-care as 'the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.

Self-care is an act of self-love!

It's a way of living and loving. It's a way of showing up for yourself even in the hardest, darkest moments. So often it is in those dark moments when self-love is being sought, that self-care actions like eating chocolate or having a glass of wine top the list of preferred actions but not necessarily the most beneficial for you. Self-care is essential care. It keeps you connected with yourself. It gives you the ability to process life. Do you have a self-care tool box "list"?

"Self-care is an act of loving oneself so that

that love can flow out into the world around them."

- Jessica Dimas -

I often refer to self-care ideas as self-care tools and when you gather a number of them together, in one place, you have yourself the beginnings of a self-care tool box. Do you have a self-care tool box? A list of go-to activities you can do in those moments where you need some TLC?

I believe the best time to create your go-to self-care tool box is when you are feeling 'on top of the world'. When you are feeling wonderful, and life is flowing for you, this is an ideal time to prepare for when you feel life is a bit rocky. It is from this place of contentment that your thoughts can flow in a positive and supportive way. Your heart is in a space to guide you. After all, nobody knows you better than you!

Three of my Favourite Tools From My Self-Care Tool Box

Music

In the well-detailed article The Health Benefits of Music the author, NatureSoundRetreat write about a variety of different types of music and sounds and their healing benefits. They acknowledge 'they all have one thing in common – the ability to relax your mind, reduce stress, and improve your overall health.' Researchers at Stanford University say that "listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication."

I love creating playlists. They allow me to quickly access music to support the space I am in. I have created a playlist on Spotify called Chill and Relax Keryn. I listen to it every day, and sometimes have it playing through the night with the volume down so I can't hear the music but my body can resonate with the healing frequencies. After all, it's simply energy! Feel free to click this link to listen. (you will need the Spotify app).

Breathe

Being aware of your breath, and taking the time to breathe deeply has long-lasting benefits for you. When the voice inside your head is so loud you can’t hear yourself think, or you are stuck in events that have already happened … or, you think may happen, taking a deep breath shuts off the noise. It centres you, brings you into the present moment, and connects you with yourself. Deep breathing triggers the parasympathetic nervous system which neutralises the impact of stress on your physical body and elicits a feeling of calm. To be aware of your breathing is to be aware of you, the ultimate gift of love from you to you.

Journaling

Talking is an important way for me to process life and journaling allows me to talk with the most important person in my life - me! Over the years I have found that for this powerful tool to resonate with me it must have:-

1. a book with blank pages

2. a book with a beautiful cover

3. a set of amazing coloured pens

With the beauty of the cover, the freedom of blank pages, and the energy of many colours I feel welcomed and encouraged to talk openly and freely with myself.

Here are some more ideas to help you add to, or start building your very own self-care tool box:-

1. Make yourself a cup of tea/coffee

2. Go for a walk

3. Read a book

4. Candles/essential oils

5. Social media detox

6. Meditate

7. Call a friend

8. Get outside in nature

9. Pat your pet

10. Cook/bake something

11. Do some gardening

The idea behind the creation of a self-care tool box is to give you access to a list of activities that will support you when you need it the most and probably are not in the space to know what to do. The small things in life can have such a big impact on you. It's about you supporting yourself.

Do you struggle to take an active role in protecting your

well-being and happiness?

Do you feel guilty at the thought of making your happiness a priority?

I offer 30-minute free discovery calls designed to give clarity and provide guidance for you and your life. To find out how I can help you find the freedom to create a self-care tool kit for yourself, and use it, click this link to organise your free discovery call today.

In support of you being the best you you can be,

Keryn Rose

Intuitive Energy Healer

Certified Body Code Practitioner

[email protected]

www.kerynrose.com.au