Self-Care and Journaling: A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Despite knowing nurturing our physical, emotional, and mental well-being is essential for leading a balanced and fulfilling life, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care in a constantly hustling and bustling world. I know I have done it.

That's why I've found the time to establish my own "Self-Care Sundays" routine— a dedicated day to prioritise self-care and recharge for the week ahead.

Establishing my Self-Care Sunday Routine

Establishing a dedicated 'Self-Care' routine meant committing myself. It meant choosing a day and space from my busy schedule to replenish my emotional balance and find time to tend to myself. It is a day to indulge in activities that bring me joy, whether taking a long bath, going for a nature walk, or simply curling up with a good book. Here's how I got started:

1. Choosing a Day and Time: I choose Sunday because that's the day I've also committed to spending dedicated time with the kids to enjoy family activities outside of the home. Closing off the week with a love-filled day after a stressful week is topped off with some me time before the week begins. But everyone's routine is different. When you get started, select a specific day of the week that works best for you to dedicate to self-care downtime. Consider your schedule and commitments, and carve out a block of time that allows you to focus solely on yourself.
2. Create a Relaxing Environment: Designate a peaceful and comfortable space to engage in self-care activities without distractions. Whether it's a cozy corner in your home, a serene outdoor spot, or a tranquil room filled with candles and soothing music, it promotes relaxation and tranquillity. For me, that's my bedroom, which I decorated and designed to suit elements that help me relax.
3. Identify Activities that Bring You Joy: This part is essential. Everyone has different activities that bring them joy. When establishing your self-care day, reflect on the activities that nourish your soul and bring happiness. This could include taking a long bath with luxurious bath products, going for a leisurely nature walk to reconnect with the outdoors or, like me, simply curling up with a good book that transports you to another world. If you are not sure what activities bring you the most relaxation in your "me time", make a Self-Care plan by creating a list of self-care activities you would like to incorporate into your routine. Try to be open to trying new things and exploring different forms of self-care, such as meditation, journaling, yoga, or creative expression.
4. Set Boundaries: This was tough, but learning to say no to activities or commitments that drain your energy or detract from your self-care time is essential. For your self-care routine to work, you must establish clear boundaries with others and communicate your need for uninterrupted self-care time. Consistency is critical to establishing a sustainable self-care routine. Make a conscious effort to stick to your self-care schedule each week, even when life gets busy or stressful.
5. Reflect and Adjust: Regular reflection has changed my life, and your self-care day is the perfect time to practice mindfulness. Spend time reflecting on your self-care routine and evaluating what's working well and what could be improved. Be flexible and willing to adjust your routine to meet your evolving needs and preferences better.

Commit to Reflections and Journaling

Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. It allows us to explore our thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and non-judgmental space. Through journaling, we can gain clarity, process emotions, and uncover insights about ourselves and our lives.

So, how can we integrate journaling into our Self-Care Sundays? Here are a few ideas to get started:

1. Morning Reflection: Begin your day of self-care with a journaling session, reflecting on your intentions for the day ahead, jotting down gratitude, or simply clearing your mind of any lingering worries.
2. Mindful Moments: Take a break during the day to engage in a mindfulness practice, such as meditation or deep breathing, and then capture your thoughts and observations in your journal.
3. Emotional Release: Use your journal to express and process your emotions. Writing freely and without censorship allows your words to flow and your feelings to be acknowledged.
4. Goal Setting: Take some time to set goals and intentions for the week ahead. Write down what you hope to accomplish and the steps you'll take to get there.
5. Evening Reflections: Wind down your self-care day with an evening journaling session. Reflect on the day's highlights, acknowledge any challenges you faced, and set intentions for self-care in the week ahead.

By integrating journaling into our dedicated self-care days, we create a holistic wellness approach that nourishes our bodies and minds. Journaling allows us to deepen our self-awareness, cultivate gratitude, and foster a greater connection to ourselves and the world around us.

It is important to remember that self-care is not selfish—it's necessary for maintaining your overall health and well-being. Commit to prioritising yourself and your needs, and don't feel guilty about taking time for self-care.