Last week we talked about cultivating community and connection.
In the last few weeks I’ve met up with a friend for a hike, went out for a coffee date, had lunch with a new friend, and I’m even restarting an old volunteer project. And it’s been so much fun! Granted, I’ve had a more time on my hands than usual lately, but this practice of focusing on community and connection is definitely filling my cup. I’d love to hear how it’s going for you!
This week let’s talk about self-care.
But maybe not in the way you typically think about self care.
Self care’s often seen as ‘extra.’ Things like massages, pedicures, and yoga retreats. Which are all lovely btw, but I think we can broaden our lens of self-care to include not just things to help us check out of our daily lives, but things to help us check in too. Pursuing our passion projects, indulging our curiosity, and engaging in things that support our overall well-being (good boundaries comes to mind).
Because self care often gets served up as the answer to all of our problems . . .
Feeling anxious? Try self-care.
Burnt out at work? Self-care.
Losing your cool with your kids? Self-care.
So much so, that it becomes just one more thing on our to-do lists (ummm no thank you!)
So I was really excited to hear Valerie Tejada talking about “expanding your mind” as a self care practice in her book, Self Care by the Signs. (P.S. If you didn’t already know that I’m a major astrology nerd, spoiler alert, I’m a major astrology nerd!) And I really enjoyed this book!
I really enjoyed her perspectives on self-care as something that helps to foster our personal growth and expand our minds. While this version of self-care may not sound exciting to everyone, it’s one of my favorites. There’s research to suggest that continuing to learn throughout our lives helps to improve emotional intelligence, supports our brain health, and helps to decrease stress and anxiety.
Plus it’s really fun!
Here are a few ideas to get started:
Read a book (doesn’t matter if it’s a physical book, an e-book, or listening to audiobook) you’ll find new ideas and new possibilities (LOVED this one)
Take a workshop or online course (so many good ones these day, and I’ve got a few new ones coming soon too, I’d love to hear your questions or any topics you want to learn more about!)
Listen to a podcast (this was a good one!)
Join a writing group or a book club (one of my personal favorites!)
Visit a museum
Attend a lecture (I’m going to see Robin Wall Kimmerer speak next month and I’m soooo excited!)
Listen to a TED talk (an oldie but goodie)
Watch an interesting documentary (I recently enjoyed this one)
Travel somewhere new (this list has some ideas to indulge your wanderlust)
Whatever you choose, find something that feels fun, inspires new ideas, and helps you to see things in a new way.
Happy exploring!
xx
Ashley
P.S. It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow and I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I think celebrating the people we love is always a good thing. Roses and big gifts aren’t really my thing but I do love making a special breakfast and am trying to decide on a special treat, I’m thinking a riff on these cut into hearts or a batch of these. Maybe both! However you celebrate or don’t, hope you have a great day!