Healing and Hypnotherapy Volume 4 Issue- 10, 1 April 2020 | Page 32

the first place? Taking care of yourself equals taking care of others. The more sensitivity you show towards yourself and the entire expanse of your being, the more sensitivity you’ll be able to show towards others. It’s as simple as that. Yet many people carry an unhealthy martyr mindset wherein they believe that they must do everything for others 100% of the time. But being a martyr isn’t dignified or heroic – it is a dysfunctional and toxic form of behavior that makes both oneself and others miserable. Poor self-esteem is another reason why some people are resistant to self- care. The belief that “I’m not worth it” is so pervasive in our society that it’s an epidemic. Inevitably, poor self-worth results in self-neglect, sometimes even as a form of self-punishment. However, if you struggle with low self-esteem I encourage you to go ahead and practice the self-care ideas below anyway. The more you incorporate them into your life, the better you will feel about who you are at a core level. 39 Self-Care Ideas For Those Struggling With Self-Love Unless you have your shit together most of the time (which is the rare few among us), you probably struggle with self-love and self-care. I will put my hand up here with those of you who identify with the majority who have intense, messy lives. It’s not easy. Being human is a journey and most of us have to learn from scratch how to nurture ourselves. If you struggle with stress, overwhelm, and a mind that just won’t turn off, this list of self-care ideas is for you. If you grapple with low motivation, negative mindsets, and self-defeating habits, this list is for you. If you tend to be cynical, neurotic or highly-strung … you know what I’m going to say! Yes, this list is for you. It’s for everyone who is brave enough to own their imperfections and do something to feel better. The best advice I can give is to take it one step at a time. Don’t rush. The advice presented below is the work of a lifetime – not the work of a week. So be realistic and do the best you can. Self-Care Ideas For the Body 1. Sit somewhere in nature. Feel relaxed by the scenery, the fresh air, and the birds singing. 2. Have a soothing bath. Put some essential oil in the bath to unwind and let go. 3. Take a deep mindful breath. Oxygenate your body, reduce the tension, and refresh your energy.