top of page
Search

Beyond the Bath Bomb: Unveiling True Self-Care

Writer's picture: Jen BonnichsenJen Bonnichsen


Self-care. It's everywhere, a constant reminder to prioritize ourselves. But let's be honest, sometimes it feels like a never-ending pressure cooker. We scroll through social media, bombarded with images of #selfcaresunday perfection – the glowing yogis radiating serenity, the spotless avocado toast dripping virtue, the overflowing bathwater promising nirvana. We dutifully unfurl our yoga mats, desperately seeking that elusive inner peace.


"If I just do enough downward-facing dogs," we tell ourselves, "I should finally feel at peace." But what if, after a perfectly executed warrior pose, peace remains frustratingly absent? We might start beating ourselves up – "Maybe I'm doing it wrong. Maybe I'm a self-care failure."


Hold on, amazing humans! Here's a truth bomb to shatter that self-doubt: true self-care goes way deeper than the latest wellness trend.  As your wellbeing coach cheerleader (because you are NOT a failure!), I want to share a powerful concept based on the work of Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, a leading voice in well-being. Dr. Lakshmin sheds light on the crucial distinction between external and internal self-care.


External self-care – the bubble baths, the fancy retreats, the perfectly aligned yoga poses – are wonderful for relaxation. But Dr. Lakshmin emphasizes, they're not magic bullets. True self-care, the kind that nourishes your soul for the long haul, flourishes within.


Here's the key: internal self-care is about addressing the source of your stress, not just masking it. Imagine you deeply value peace. You might roll out your yoga mat, hoping to find that inner calm. But if your mind is racing with anxieties and worries during your practice, you're not going to magically achieve peace. The truth is, no yoga pose, no trendy bath bomb, holds the key to inner tranquility. It's about letting go of the thoughts and feelings that negate your peace.


So, how do we tap into this internal wellspring of self-care? Here's the exciting part: it's a personalized journey! Dr. Lakshmin's work offers a roadmap:



1. Unearth Your Core Values: What truly sets your soul on fire? Is it connection with loved ones? The thrill of adventure? The pursuit of knowledge? Understanding your core values is the compass that guides you towards choices that nurture your deepest desires.



2. Cultivate Self-Awareness: Become your own detective! Pay close attention to your thoughts and feelings. When do you feel drained or overwhelmed? What situations trigger negativity? Self-awareness is the first step towards positive change.


3. Fulfill Your Values, Not Your Fleeting Desires: This is where the magic happens! Once you identify your core values, actively seek ways to fulfill them in your daily life. If you value creativity, take a writing class or schedule time for a cherished hobby. If connection is your guiding light, nurture your relationships with loved ones through quality time and open communication. By fulfilling your values, you cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends any material possession.



4. Embrace Self-Compassion and Set Healthy Boundaries: Let's be honest, we all have days when self-care feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. Be kind to yourself! Forgive yourself for not feeling perfectly at peace after every yoga session (or any self-care ritual, for that matter). But self-compassion goes hand-in-hand with setting healthy boundaries. Don't be afraid to say no to requests that drain your energy or don't align with your values.  Saying no allows you to focus on what truly matters and protects the space for inner peace to blossom.



Remember, self-care is a practice, not a destination. There will be days when bubble baths and yoga sessions sound like the perfect answer, and that's okay! But by focusing on what truly nourishes your soul from within, you cultivate a lasting sense of peace, purpose, and well-being. Material things and perfectly executed asanas can't buy that, but by following Dr. Lakshmin's wisdom and prioritizing your inner needs, you can unlock it within yourself.

Now go forth, amazing humans, and discover the true magic of self-care – the kind that starts and ends with a compassionate and peaceful you!


If you need a partner to address your self-care habits, I would love to chat. You can begin the process by signing up for a FREE Breakthrough Session at www.joyfulbalancewellbeing.com or click the button below.



If you'd like to join our Facebook Group, Joyful Balance Circle, we'd love to have you. We are a group of like-minded women who support each other to live joyfully balanced lives. Lots of tips and tricks are shared, along with a question of the day, to get your mind invested in your wellbeing. Click the button below to join!




11 views0 comments

コメント


bottom of page