Blog: Self-nourishment

Work, school, family, chores, social commitments and the list goes on and on! It often feels as though there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done – let alone having a little time to focus on your own needs.

There is currently a lot of background noise around the importance of ‘self-care’, but what does it really look like, and how does it work for those who spend so much of their lives caring for others?

Does self-care mean booking in for a “day of beauty”? Planning a vacation to a tropical paradise? Having a fancy spa pedicure? Ordering that book that you have always wanted to read? Taking a nap on the hammock in the backyard? Emptying your bladder when it’s about to overflow? Buying a new pair of work shoes when yours no longer provide much needed support? Sitting down and taking a breath?

If we start re-branding the whole notion of self-care into self-nourishment, then you may find that it totally shifts your daily quotient of this important activity. Self-nourishment can take the form of tiny snacks, regular meals, or big feasts.

Something I love to say is that it isn’t so much about what the action IS, but what it DOES for you! When it comes down to it, nourishing your mind, body, and spirit is essential.

Bullet journals are an extremely valuable method to help with self-nourishment because they offer a space to reflect in a simple and meaningful way. The trick is to not over-think your responses, but rather give them a space to exist on a piece of paper. Allow yourself time to marinate over what you have written, and then, check in with yourself to see if there has been a shift in your thinking.

To help clarify your thoughts around engaging in regular, satisfying self-nourishment, I have provided you with this bonus bullet journal page. I encourage you to make this tool work for you. Feel free to treat yourself to a small notebook and some deluxe pens to use for this project as well as future bullet journal posts featured on this site.

Bullet Journal

List the top 5 priorities in your life (without judgment or justification):

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Did you include yourself as a priority on this list? If yes, what number are you? If you are not on the list, then what support would you find helpful to establish a space for yourself on the priority list?

Physical, emotional, and spiritual self-nourishment practices provide the foundation for resilience in the face of everyday challenges. Without critiquing or judging the value of the activities, allow yourself time to reflect on what you find nourishing:

Physically:

1.

2.

3.

Emotionally:

1.

2.

3.

Spiritually:

1.

2.

3.

Choose 1 item from each of the lists above and schedule a time in the upcoming week where you can make these activities a priority. Commit to and allow yourself the time and space to really engage in each of the chosen self-nourishing activities.

Afterwards, write 1 sentence describing what those activities did for you.

Once you have completed this exercise, what new thoughts do you have about providing yourself with the opportunity for self-nourishment practices? Again, jot down a few of your thoughts without any prejudice or judgment.—

As always, feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section or by reaching out directly [click here].