Self-care is the cornerstone of a healthy life. Of course, we take care of our body with rest, smart foods and plenty of exercise. But what about when it’s our soul that needs soothing? When we’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, sad or gloomy?
Here’s a collection
of healing tools to keep at the ready when you need to care for number one.
Gather these lists in a beautiful journal, on a bulletin board, or in your
favorite app or excel spreadsheet – and reference them in your time of need.
Listening Lists
The Greek philosopher
Epictetus said we have
two ears and one mouth to emphasize the wisdom of listening over talking. Keep a collection of inspiring Ted Talks for those days when you need to
hear the wisdom of someone else. Make a playlist
of your absolute favorite pick-me-up tunes and crank the volume for an
immediate mood changer. And keep an inventory of motivational audio books – they’re the best antidote
to road rage and the perfect boredom-buster while completing chores.
Cheer Lists
The ANTs go marching
one by one…hoorah! Hoorah! Psychologists call “Automatic
Negative Thoughts” ANTs, and sometimes they come marching along to suck our
joy. Exterminate these ANTs with
laughter and cheer. Keep an on-going log
of your many accomplishments –
indulge in it when you need to be your own cheerleader. A gratitude journal has been widely touted as a key to happiness –
keep one and be amazed at how your outlook changes when you focus on abundance
over scarcity. And everyone knows laughter is the best medicine, so bookmark an
assortment of hilarious YouTube videos
to get you through the darkest times. Here’s the one that leaves
me in stitches every time.
Reflection Lists
If you were a John Denver fan like me (fully aware I just
dated myself), then you might remember Poems,
Prayers and Promises, a song he wrote about reflecting on life. Keep a
record of all your favorite poems
and prayers for times when your
essence needs some nurturing. Favorite
quotes from your heroes and mentors are perfect for those reflective times,
too.
Assembling lists and
inventories might seem the antithesis to soul-calming behavior, but consider it
meaningful preparation for those times when your spirit needs some attention.
What are some ways
you care for your soul?
