Seven Day Self-Care Plan! -

Here’s a Seven-Day Self-Care plan with one Self-Care Activity for each day of the week:

Day 1: Mindful Morning

Start your week with a mindful morning routine. Spend the first 15 minutes after waking up in a quiet and peaceful space. Practice deep breathing, meditate, or simply enjoy a cup of tea or coffee without distractions. I’ve shared for years that I use a $14.99 milk frother for my warmed milk in my coffee and it’s my morning mindfulness moment. Mindfulness doesn’t have to be extravagantly done, incorporate little practices into your morning routine for the carry-over effect for the entire day.

Day 2: Nature Connection

Take a break from your routine to spend some time in nature. Go for a walk in a park, hike in the woods, or simply sit in your backyard. Today! Connect with the natural world and recharge your spirit. Even if you simply step outside, bare feet on the earth and close your eyes for a few moments! Grounding is essential during this time. (you might want to read my blog A Practice of Grounding to Combat Uncertainty https://www.kristendarcy.com/practice-of-grounding/)

Here’s a mini version:

A mini grounding version is to center yourself, hand on your heart if you’d like, and imagine roots going into the core of Mother Earth. Then imagine Mother Earth’s energy coming up through your root and out of your crown! Use this little quickie when you’re feeling wobbly and unstable within an interaction that isn’t quite right or feels off in some way.

Day 3: Creative Expression

Today, Engage in a creative activity that you enjoy. It could be drawing, painting, writing, knitting, crochet, cooking, signing or any other form of creative expression. Let your imagination flow and use this as a way to release stress and express yourself. Let your divine feminine flow just for you! When you’re in your YIN creative energy feel the universal aspect of your sacred feminine energy. This feminine energy plays an important role in the balancing act of the universe and every living thing. Most of the time when we feel out of balance is because our yin/yang energy is out of whack! Connect and Use your Yin energy of spaciousness, softness, patience, slowing down, restoration, and ease. Gracefully create and express today!

Day 4: Digital Detox

Take a break from screens for a few hours. Disconnect from your phone, computer, and TV. Instead, read a book, have a face-to-face conversation, or engage in a hobby without any digital distractions. There is a franticness to the energy of social media. I know for myself, reaching for my phone’s alarm first thing in the morning, is sometimes a temptation to take a deep dive into those platforms. Just for today, take a break.

Day 5: Pamper Yourself

Treat yourself to some self-care (self-nurture) that focuses on your physical well-being. Take a long bath or shower, perhaps do a face mask, or have a spa day at home. Give your body the care and attention it deserves. Sometimes, during my shower, I put on a hair conditioning mask and take a little bit longer shower. It does the trick for me!

Day 6: Gratitude Journaling

Spend time reflecting (feeling) the things you’re grateful for. Write in a gratitude journal, noting the positive aspects of your life. We are all aware that focusing on gratitude can boost your mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Don’t feel like journaling? Before you get out of bed, hand on your heart, imagine and connect to your unique sense of gratitude. When you can sense it, really feel it in the core of your heart, open your eyes and say three times “Thank you, thank you, Thank you” Try it today and every morning.

Day 7: Social Heart Connection

Dedicate time, doesn’t have to be long, to connect with friends or family. This could be through a phone call, video chat, or an in-person meet-up. Social heart interaction is essential for your mental health and well-being. For me, I have a long term distant friendship and we speak early, God awful early, in the morning and on those days, I feel heard, validated and loved. Create that Yin connection!

You Can Mix it up! Repeat this weekly self-care plan (you can do one each day or mix it up!) to maintain a healthy balance between caring for yourself and caring for others. It’s a great way to nurture your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being while creating that reservoir of resilience that is so needed!