5 KEYS TO SELF-CARE INDEPENDENCE

While self care seems to be synonymous with spa treatments and bubble baths (which are legit ways to care for one’s self, btw), self-care is, in fact, the actions one takes in order to maintain homeostasis (the relative stability of the body). And that means the WHOLE body, emotions and all.

The tricky thing is, the majority of us know very little about our bodies (and brains), which means we don’t always have a very good grasp on what our self-care could be.

We recognize when we’re in pain, distress, or generally stuck in some sort of negative situation, but we don’t always know how to get ourselves out of that. Likewise, we have a sense of what makes us feel good, but those things aren’t always the antidote to what ails us.

That makes it easy for us to get stuck in a cycle of trying to “fix” our problems with zero actual results.

Lame, right?

Well, after YEARS of personal and professional research, I think I’ve cracked the code on maintaining sustainable self-care practices. And it all boils down to five things: Mindset, Awareness, Direction, Action, and Support.

CRYSTAL MCLAIN CREATIVE SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL SELF CARE MINDSET

MINDSET: The established set of attitudes held by someone.

Attitude is KEY when it comes to, well, everything. But when it comes to self-care, holy shit, it’s the Holy Grail.

Having a mindset that supports your wellness will make the journey much easier, not to mention, suck less.

Far too often we entertain self-liming beliefs, and self-sabotaging behaviors. It’s time to align your head and your heart with your intentions.

*Learn more about mindset.

CRYSTAL MCLAIN CREATIVE SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL SELF CARE AWARENESS

AWARENESS: Having knowledge, consciousness, being informed.

Understanding the basic science of the mind and body will help you understand more complicated things like thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

And because you're a WHOLE organism (meaning no part of you is independent from another), every physical and conceptual aspect of your identity actually plays a part in your wellbeing.

Becoming familiar with the mechanics of your mind and body, and practicing self-awareness will totally up your self-care game.

*Learn more about Awareness.

CRYSTAL MCLAIN CREATIVE 5 KEYS FOR SELF CARE INDEPENDENCE ROUTINE

DIRECTION: A course along which someone or something moves. The management or guidance of someone.

So, you’ve got a good attitude, a basic understanding of your mind and body, and you practice self-awareness. That’s great if you want to stay where you are. But what if you want to evolve into a healthier version of yourself (even though you’re already awesome)?

Direction.

The first step is to set a long term goal. What is it you ultimately want to achieve with your wellness, with your life?

Next, break this down into a bunch of smaller, short term goals that are easier to achieve, but direct you towards the big goal.

Finally, create a set of objectives that will ensure your success. Pro tip: Make sure your mindset is in alignment with these objectives.

*Learn more about direction.

CRYSTAL MCLAIN CREATIVE SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL SELF CARE ACTION

ACTION: The process of DOING.

We’ve all been there. We know what we want, we read the affirmations, psyching ourselves up for the big goal, and we have an idea of what it will take to get there. We journal, read the books and blogs, and talk about it with our friends. But we don’t actually DO anything.

While thinking about doing something is, in a way, a form of action, it’s not the same as getting off your ass and ACTUALLY doing it. …sorry if that sounded harsh.

This is the bullshit I had to finally call myself out on. I was so busy being cerebral about my goals, but I wasn’t actually doing the work to achieve them. Good grief, Charlie Brown.

Do. The. Damn. Thing.

*Learn more about action.

CRYSTAL MCLAIN CREATIVE SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL SELF CARE SUPPORT

SUPPORT: To sustain or withstand, to undergo or endure, especially with patience. Encouragement, additional help, or information.

And here’s the cherry on top of the successful self-care sundae; support.

When we feel supported, we’re more likely to have higher levels of wellbeing. We feel less isolated, lost or anxious when navigating our wellness. It also helps to keep us motivated and accountable towards our goals.

And that’s the real reason I created CMC.

I'm creating a resource that will teach people about their bodies, strengthen their consciousness, and provide self-care methods to explore. I offer insight and inspiration so they can make informed decisions about their bodies and create their own rules for wellness.

But more importantly, I'm providing a safe space where people can feel supported in their wellness endeavors. It’s important that you feel like you’re not alone in this, and I’m here to tell you, you’re not.

We're in this together.

*Learn more about support.

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