Lately I have been thinking about simple, empowering acts of self care that can be done in any moment. I see so many people missing out on being empowered and positively impacted by self-care because they feel like they don’t have time to do things like sit for a formal meditation practice, engage in a relaxation exercise or get to a fitness class.

 

This is bananas.

 

You don’t have to sit on the floor, have an hour of free time or don stretchy pants to practice really good self-care. 

 

Not that I have any problem with stretchy pants. I mean… do they even make pants that don’t stretch anymore? 

 

I wouldn’t know. 

 

What I do know is this: you have the power to dramatically improve the experience of your life and state of your body in any moment. 

 

I am a huge fan of long, sprawling self-care rituals. My own morning routine sometimes keeps me from getting properly dressed before noon — noon! (and by noon I mean 2pm), however, I believe learning to care for ourselves throughout the day, right in the middle of life’s stressors, is way more valuable than any other self-care action we can take.

 

Here are 3 things you can do to soothe your nervous system (and therefore activate your natural superpowers) in as little as 10 seconds:

 

Breathe

How: Take a mindful breath, breathing deep into the belly and exhaling slowly.

Why: Extending the length of your exhales is like flipping a switch for your nervous system — even just 1 slow breath can calm the stress response and activate your highest healing and creative abilities.

 

 

Connect 

How: Notice a sensation in your body without judgement. 

Why: Tapping into body sensations is a great way to bring yourself into the present moment and build body awareness — the more you connect with your body, the more you can respond to its signals with intention and purpose.

 

Move 

How: Stretch out your neck + roll your shoulders.

Why: Intentional stretching releases the physical effects of stress physiology while also giving your body the message that you are safe — this puts your body and mind in a resourced and thriving state. 

 

 

Each of these strategies has the potential to shift your energy state instantaneously. No joke. That’s how powerful you are and how simple self-care can be.

 

With something as simple as a deep breath you can activate your body’s ability to heal, balance the chemicals that regulate your mood, increase your creative power and sharpen your focus. (Learn more in this video!)

 

Whoa, right?

 

You can use the above techniques to proactively tap into your natural superpowers (try committing to 5 mindful breaths a day to start) or to calm your stress response when you notice yourself feeling tense or overwhelmed. 

 

If you want to learn more about how all of this works check out my online self-care program, Fuel For Living Life On Fire, or book a 1-on-1 session for some supercharged support.

 

 

Rooting for you.

 

Inhale.

Exhale.

 

XO

Melissa