Self Love Spring by a Self Proclaimed Self Care Queen!
I have been around the sun many times now (I can’t even believe how many!!) and people often wonder how I look so young (thank you!). Well, I am going to let you in on some secrets that I have been using to keep my youthful attitude and appearance.
First things first, I take my self care pretty seriously. Every day I wake up and have an elaborate morning routine. I have been blessed with the fact that I can create my own schedule. Though that has changed time and again depending on where I was working, I can honestly say I am so grateful to currently reclaim my mornings so I can begin my day super powerfully.
The first thing I do before I even get out of bed is to meditate for five minutes. I do a very short recharge and recalibration of my heart chakra by going through the steps of HeartRise meditation. Next, as I wash my face, I listen to music or a coaching program audio and I do my ballet plies to wake up my dancer’s leg muscles. I also have a reflexology mat that I use while standing and brushing my teeth with an electric toothbrush (best thing ever!). I take gentle care of my skin using self massage techniques over my muscles and joints and believe that moisturizing is everything! Not to mention that it is absolutely essential for soft and supple skin. I also exfoliate and dry brush every few days to help with lymphatic flow. After I wash up, I am ready to face the day and move into the rest of my morning rituals.
I light a candle and/or some incense to spark inspiration for the day. I journal my morning pages and write three pages of nonstop stream of consciousness thoughts (aka whatever I am thinking). I literally do a brain dump of anything on my mind or things I need to do for the day. Once I complete my written self expression and release, I move into my chakra meditation to balance my energy centers. I follow this clearing by doing a remote healing energy medicine session to offer the highest good to the world from my highest self. (get in touch with me to find out what this even means!)
Next, I flow into a yoga practice and gentle stretch process to embody this temple I am living in. I focus a lot of my attention on the breath and setting the tone for the day through various breathwork techniques. Once I feel expansive and open, I will often put on a song that I love and let the rhythm move me as I dance and feel the creative juices flowing.
I smell some essential oils to get focused and motivated for the day. I make a light breakfast and usually read or listen to an audiobook while eating. Once I complete my morning regime, I finally look at my agenda for the day and then start checking messages and attending to things that need responses. It is important to note that I spend a good chunk of time in silence before I start interacting in the world. 😉
I do most of my admin work before lunch and then allow the afternoon to be clear for creativity and healing offerings (aka work!). I integrate fitness (walking, running, weights) and healthy home cooked meals into my day to ensure that I nourish and take good care of my body.
A huge part of my wellness and overall youthful body appearance can be attributed to keeping my spine and joints moving optimally. I have been receiving chiropractic care once a week for the past 20+ years! It has done wonders for this dancer’s body. I have also been getting acupuncture and massage approximately 1-2 x per month for the past 15+ years. I have been very fortunate to experience and be exposed to so many wonderful therapies and practitioners over the years. I can say with absolute certainty that they have attributed to the overall agility of my physicality. Getting professional care to keep the nervous system in check is highly recommended for anyone wanting to age gracefully.
Once a week I draw a bath and indulge in a magazine as I soak in luxuriously hot water steeped with essential oils, epsom salts and flower petals. Pre-pandemic I would savor in spa days every so often to have a little respite and solace from the city life (thanks Covid-19 for the pause in this practice). :p I have trained in several techniques of energy medicine and practice these everyday. I follow the principles of Ayurveda according to my specific dosha constitution and the season we are in. It is simple, makes so much sense and can provide very effective strategies for good health.
I am constantly listening to inspiring podcasts, books and courses. Truly soaking in good vibes helps to raise my vibration and to trust the unfolding of what happens in life. Doing the deep inner work of personal development has been a major part of how I approach my soul’s evolution and essence. Regardless of the external circumstances, whether positive or negative things occur, I have learned how to neutralize them so I don’t feel polarized extremes. I am able to better respond without being so charged to react. I have gained many lessons on how to bring back the peace when it seems like the world is anything but.
Socializing and communicating regularly with family and friends is paramount to feeling a sense of belonging and good mental wellbeing. It goes without saying that there is nothing better than a belly laugh with your best friends or holding and hugging a loved one. It is so important to keep the connections going strong, as the months continue to pass by, it is what has kept me hopeful during this whole Coronavirus pandemic. Combining both physical and emotional health in my experience, is really the key to feeling ageless.
A lot of what I am trying to convey here, is that if I can do this, you can too. Yes it takes energy and effort but the long term effects and benefits are evident. I take good care, and so can you. It is all about being aware of what makes you feel good, doing what your heart desires, and loving yourself unapologetically.
I dare you to go on a self care challenge, as we celebrate the Spring with love. What small steps can you take to implement feeling blissful as your soul embodies this physical masterpiece? Tip: The sooner you start, the better and more young at heart you will feel. 🙂
As always, please be in touch if you want to learn more and if I can offer support moving towards your ultimate in health. ~Dr. Anita Rajan, DC