Ten Self Care Rituals

Self care and self connection don't have to be large action items on a "To Do List." They can be brief moments during the beginning, end or transitions in your day. Here's 10 brief activities that you can set a timer to do each day.

1) Mindful Moisturizing: Set a timer for 3 minutes and slowly and lovingly put lotion on. Whisper or think words of encouragement to your body as you go.

2) Arm Circles: Place right hand on left shoulder. With the left arm straight, but relaxed, circle it 9 times forward and 9 time backwards. Switch sides.

3) Stop n' Sniff: enjoy the smell of whatever you are eating or drinking.

4) Warm Your Hands: Vigorously rub your hands together. After you build heat in your palms, close your eyes and place your palms over your eyes. Take 5 breaths and repeat.

5) Dance It Out. Put a favorite song on and dance, dance, dance. Even if you are just in your car bopping your head, tapping your feet, etc.

6) Compassion Connection: Think of someone or something you love. Connect to that feeling of love and give yourself a big hug. Take at least 10 breaths, allowing that love to fill you up.

7) Energy Shower: At end of the day or challenging experience, find a quiet place and take a few deep breaths. Envision being in a shower of energy that is washing away everything and anything that is not yours and/or not of the light.

8) Massage Your Feet: Even if you don’t think you know what you are doing, you know what feels good.

9) Breathing Technique: One breathing technique to release stress is to take a deep breath in through your nose, pause, and then exhale intentionally out your mouth. Visualize of all the stress, worry and anxiety exiting your body through your mouth in the exhale. Let it go.

10) Trust your inner knowing. You are a beautiful, amazing and unique gift to this world. Trust in you.