Most of us spend a lot of time and energy taking care of other people and things—our homes, our jobs, our families and communities, and the many people we love. Why then can it be so difficult to give ourselves the care and attention we also need and deserve?
For some, self-care may feel selfish or even frivolous, especially in these challenging times when there are so many in need and so many ways to offer our time and assistance. But in order to show up and serve in a sustainable and powerful way, we must fill our own cup first.
Remember this: You wholly deserve to give love, time, and energy to yourself. You wholly deserve to reward yourself with gifts, both big and small. (Yes. You do.) Because if you don't take care of yourself first, you won't be able to take care of anyone else.
“Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.”
Let's say that again, together. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.
Self-Care as an Act of Self-Love
Self-care can be as simple as taking five minutes to just breathe. Or it can be as lavish as creating a weekend retreat with all of your favorite foods, books, and activities. (Yes. It can.) You get to choose what self-care looks like for you.
The important part is the awareness that you can reward yourself by treating yourself to self-love gifts every single day.
Self-care can mean starting your day with a gentle yoga practice and meditation. Self-care can be saying "No" to the Friday night engagement and instead, curling up in bed with a hot cup of tea. Self-care can be asking for help.
Maybe self-care is indulging in one of your guilty pleasures—the perfect mocha, or the just-right grilled cheese sandwich. (Yes. You can. And you don't even have to feel guilty about it.)
And self-care can be doing more of that thing you love. Fill your love cup.
“There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself.”
Self-Care Gift Ideas
Here are six self-care products and gift ideas that you can treat yourself to—every day:
Daily Massage Oil
Give yourself the gift of a daily self-massage (abhyanga) with warm, nourishing herbal oil. One of Ayurveda's most cherished practices, this self-care ritual is all about love. Our Daily Massage Oil recently underwent an award-winning study showing it to be effective for lowering stress, promoting restful sleep, and improving overall quality of life. So go ahead and carve out some time to luxuriate. Even if you can't commit to every day, once a week is a great place to start.
Sleep Easy Oil
Sleep Easy Oil makes for a wonderful three-minute evening ritual. Take a few minutes to slow down before bed and massage Sleep Easy Oil into your hairline, temples, and the base of your neck. Finish by lightly rubbing your sinuses and the surrounding area, and then around your eyes. Our faces rarely get the attention of a gentle touch. Enjoy this intimate time with yourself. (Just make sure to protect your bedding from oil stains!)
Tranquil Mind
During these times, we can all use a little more peace of mind in any way we can find it. Tranquil Mind is a fantastic supplement that combines Ayurvedic herbs renowned for their work in the mind and nervous system. It has been clinically shown to help alleviate signs of anxiousness, making it a perfect companion for daily support.
Beauty Balm
Our award-winning Beauty Balm is a delicious addition to your self-care rituals and is an excellent way to nourish any part of your body that needs a little extra TLC. This balm nurtures your whole being from the outside-in with softness, hydration, and brightness. It can be used as an eye cream, moisturizer, lip balm, cuticle cream—and more! Play with it to discover just how it can fit into your daily routine.
Mellow Mind
Mellow Mind is a relaxing, calming blend from our Ayurvedic tea line. It combines the traditional digestive spice blend of coriander, cumin, and fennel with a deeply soothing mix of herbs, including brahmi/gotu kola, lavender, and chamomile. Mellow Mind eases the mind, helps the body unwind, and is perfect for wintery days spent indoors.
Tongue Cleaner
Did you ever think you would be giving yourself a tongue scraper as an act of self-love? You won't be disappointed. We promise. Practicing tongue scraping first thing in the morning is the best way to start your day. (Really!) It's a simple, effective way to clear the bacteria that accumulates through the night, while paying attention to your body and your digestive system.
Consider how you feel after receiving the perfect gift. Perhaps you feel seen, appreciated, and loved. What if we could give these sentiments to ourselves on a daily basis? Listening to our true self and giving it the care it requires. What a gift! Thus, self-care is never a selfish act. It is how we are best able to serve—with a full love cup—our families, our communities, and, ultimately, our higher selves.
For more self-care gift ideas, have a peek at our holiday Gift Guide.
