Protecting Your Peace: 5 Self-Care Practices for Every Season
Written by: Arah Cho
Life is full of obligations and responsibilities. Whether it's navigating our familial duties, work, or friendships, it can be easy to forget one of the most important people in our lives: ourselves.
But we are more than our responsibilities. We are not just the roles we play or the tasks we complete—we are all human beings deserving of rest, joy, love, and care. Prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining our well-being and being our best selves in every aspect of life.
So here are a few ways to take care of your mind, body, and soul– for every season and every phase of your life.
Journal
Journaling has been scientifically proven to be beneficial for emotional regulation and stress reduction. It provides a safe outlet for both expressing and processing emotions, enabling us to reflect on our mistakes or work through unresolved feelings.
Here a few prompts to get you started:
What does "peace" look and feel like in your life? How can you create more of it?
What are three things you are grateful for today, and why do they matter to you?
What is your favorite thing about yourself?
Read for 10 Minutes
Even a few minutes of reading each day can boost cognitive function, reduce stress, and improve focus. Pick up a book that inspires or soothes you– even if it's just for 10 minutes.
Atomic Habits by James Clear or The Courage to Be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi are excellent books for not only self-care but also self-improvement.
THE ART OF DOING NOTHING
In a world that glorifies the hustle of busyness, give yourself permission to simply exist. Whether that means staring at the clouds, sipping tea in silence, or lying in bed, your mind deserves moments of peace. Sometimes embracing the beauty of doing nothing is the biggest comfort.
DRAW BOUNDARIES: SAYING “NO”
Protecting your peace means recognizing your limits. Set boundaries that prioritize your well-being and mental health. Oftentimes saying "no" to others can be saying "yes" to yourself. Paradoxically, setting healthy boundaries is actually crucial for being able to love and care for others more fully.
BREATHE
A deep breath can work wonders. The act of simply pausing, inhaling deeply, and then exhaling slowly has been proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce levels of stress hormones in the bloodstream, and balance oxygen levels. In moments of stress, your breath is your anchor.
Self care is about showing up for yourself. It doesn’t have to be grand or elaborate, it is defined by what you make it to be. Whether it's taking a bubble bath or simply practicing mindful breathing, self care is truly an act of self love. Remember, you are valued, deserving, and worthy of care. Embrace the beauty of slowing down and give yourself the space to connect with that truth.