A2Z Holistic Self-care: A is for Ask

Often when we think of self-care, immediate thoughts of ‘self-centered’, ‘selfish’, and ‘self-absorbed’ come to mind. Asking feels a little counter-intuitive to self-care — isn’t the point to listen to my own inner voice and what I need?

I’d like to suggest that we begin our holistic self-care journey with “ASK.”

Body: Ask your body what’s doable

When we begin a self-care routine, we usually think — let’s get active and eat right. We make plans, set goals, and jump in with our whole hearts and good intentions.

This month, I encourage you to ask your body questions:

In general: What makes you feel good? What do you need — from food, from activity, from rest?

In eating: Why are you craving this food? How is this food making you feel? Is this food energizing you? Which foods give you energy?

In action: What are you capable of? What will make you feel good? How far can you be pushed? Do you enjoy this exercise? Would you prefer another?

In rest: Do you get enough rest? Do you need something different — a new pillow, mattress, room? Do you need anything to help you get more rest — less tv, less computer, more exercise, different exercise, more or less alcohol or sugar?