If you’ve ever had your battery run so low that seemingly small things like brushing your teeth is WORK, this article is for you.
Self care is a wonderful replenishment of the mind, body, and spirit. It allows us to realign with our true selves by creating a flow again.
But what if you’re burnt out? What if you’re disabled and can’t leave the bed much? What if you’re feeling really low and just can’t get the motivation? Or maybe you’ve just been through anaphylaxis and every single thing is scaring you in fear it’ll happen again…
Yep, guilty. That’s me currently, and rightfully so. It takes weeks to recover from this type of event and it’s quicker if you rest and take care of yourself. That got me thinking of the different forms of self care for different seasons, people, abilities, and mood.
Below you will find my inclusive self care guide, it’s a fun format because you could do a 30 day challenge or just cross off things as you go.
It can be printed and put somewhere that it will feel like a warm gentle reminder.
Go outside for 10 minutes: this can be on your balcony, in your yard, just get some sunshine on that beautiful face.
YouTube vagus nerve exercises: this is truly incredible for the stress and anxiety our bodies carry. This one and this are my favourites!
Listen to an uplifting podcast: I know a lot of people are into true crime lol, I just don’t find it calming when I’m not feeling well. To each their own! Here are some of my favourite feel good podcasts that make me feel something.
Brianna wiest podcast
Super soul: Oprah
Everything happens by Kate bowler
Stretch your muscles: this is an underrated form of self care, movement, and exercise. When we are stiff and in bed stretches are sooo good!! I’d recommend YouTubing this based on your needs.
Write a gratitude blitz list: this is actually what it sounds like. A blitz of anything you’re grateful for. That means you don’t really have to think about it you just write any word that comes to mind until your page is full. Think: car, home, medications, husband, kids, dogs, pedicures, etc
CBD oil to relax: for me this changes based on pain and different needs. CBD is my major form of pain relief, but I use it in different ways to massage and relax also. I drink it in my tea at night which helps my histamine. An easy way to self care
Guided meditation: it’s as simple as they come. You need not like meditation for this, you do not have to be good at it. You just lay down and listen to the voice, you will be pleasantly surprised
Read a book in a cozy spot: I live in a condo so I’m somewhat limited in my spaces. I try to create a space that’s different than my usual, whether it’s using a different blanket or going on my balcony. It’s fun to just zone out into a great book
Change into fresh clothes: this one can feel hard. If you have to have rest days, and you aren’t going to see anyone or go anywhere.. it can feel like “what’s the point?” It’s for YOU! It’s going to feel good to get out of those PJs into fresh ones. If you’re feeling really wild, wear a whole outfit 
BRAIN DUMP: what is this? Open a journal, or a blank page, or even your phone but I find a pen and paper more therapeutic. Start writing whatever is coming up for you, it doesn’t need to make sense. It can be scribbled and illegible. It’s a way of getting that shit out onto the page. Which I also refer to as ‘rage on the page’ depending on the mood we’re in.
Take a hot bath: I love setting up my galaxy light and sunset light in my bathroom, I have a waterproof speaker and play calm music. I read or write, like I’m doing right now. Baths calm me down and help with pain, allowing my creative expression to flow.
Play with a pet: don’t have one? Go to the pet store. Borrow a friends. There’s many people who are willing to lend out their snuggly friends. It’s so therapeutic, that’s why they bring ‘‘em to hospitals!
Watch the sunrise or sunset: again, if you can’t walk or get there, just sit on the balcony or your front yard, backyard, whatever. Out the window even in your living room. From bed. Just be intentional about it, it’s such a beautiful feeling
Care for a plant baby: this could mean watering your own babies, cleaning up their leaves. giving some love. If you don’t own a plant, get one! Make it a habit, a little adventure to make it thrive
Cook a healthy meal: there’s nothing quite like the feeling when I’m able to cook. It can be a simple recipe, but to have that feeling of “I made this” is so rewarding! And yummy.
Cold therapy: I just visited a thermal spa and I have extreme sensitivity to cold. However I really did see the benefit in the cold for the nervous system. You can mimic this at home by taking an icy shower, or if you’re like me and can’t have it spraying onto you – fill a bowl with ice water and dunk your face. Nervous system: reset!
Hydrate from a pretty cup: I want you to drink water, but you know what? When you’re not feeling well or in a low spot, it can feel hard to get your water intake in. Grab your cutest glass wear and make it pretty with ice cubes and maybe some electrolyte powder to make it pink! This always helps me get back on track.
Watch a nostalgic movie: you know the ones, 13 going on 30, 10 things I hate about you, how to lose a guy in 10 days, bridesmaids, the devil wears Prada, twilight even. lol! All the best!
Make a feel good playlist: and when you’re done, you best be having a kitchen dance party because those are the best.
Cosmic shower: similar to the hot bath I mentioned earlier but different in the sense that you’re in the shower with the lights out which seems strange. Try it, it is truly a mental vacation.
Unplugged day: no electronics, no scrolling, we want a peaceful day to sit with our thoughts and do other activities that don’t include screens. This is called a dopamine detox
Declutter one small thing: you know when you’re feeling a little stressed or tired? Your house starts to reflect how you’re feeling. Right now my house has clutter spots all over which normally you would not see in my home. Tackling it all is overwhelming and may not work… start with one thing. Just one. I emptied a bag from our car and it made me feel pretty good and excited for the next thing.
Catch up with a friend: if you’re like me and get kinda overwhelmed with all the things, sometimes our friendships can suffer. For me, reaching out and catching up with friends is an act of self care, and self love.
Drink a cup of herbal tea: I drink chamomile tea every single night lately for stress and histamine levels. I add CBD to make it warm and cozy and relaxing, and drink it while in my bath. Cheers
Try waking up before 6am: why? Well, if we get up earlier we sort of change up our sleep routine. This is especially important if you’ve been neglecting sleeping times (like I have). Your nap will be earlier, and in turn your bedtime.
Vagus nerve stimulation: I use a device called my Sensate and it’s pretty incredible how it helps my system shift back into a normal state. If this isn’t your thing, try the vagus nerve exercises above!
Stick with your safe foods: sometimes this is hard if you’re traveling, like I do back and fourth to my medical appts each week. It’s also hard if you’re not able to grocery shop. So two tips, use Instacart with no shame. It’s worth it! Yeah energy is worth it. Second, write yourself a list of safe foods on the fridge. I use a black liquid chalk board and write some examples of meals that I know are good for me and won’t cause a flare.
Go for a small walk: doesn’t matter when, even if it’s at night, getting some air is good for our mind and movement is good for our body.
Acknowledge 1 thing you’re proud of: there’s something you’ve done lately that you are so proud of. Think. Don’t compare yourself to others, the minute you do – I want you to think of something you did that you’re proud of. There is always something if you’re willing to see it
Netflix binge: zoning out in a good binge day is just needed sometimes. Personally I’ve done it with greys anatomy more times than I’m willing to admit. Gilmore girls, the fosters, ru Paul’s drag race, there’s so many binge worthy shows!
I hope this list made your self care efforts feel a little more possible for you and your unique needs. Of course not every single one will be possible for every person, but even if there’s 1 or 2 I’m happy! You deserve to be cared for and prioritized, please remember this 
Stay fabulous friends, let’s connect!
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