What’s love got to do with it?

When was the last time you did something for YOU?

So many of us are used to putting ourselves last and everyone else first. Our kids, our partner, our ageing parents… but who is pouring into your cup?

What have you done to fill up your own cup lately?

Self-care, as cliché as it might sound, can look a lot of different ways. It can be the way you unwind after a long week, it can be taking a little extra time to stretch or read, or it can be taking a quiet moment with just your thoughts to go for a walk without your phone. 

For me, self-care looks a lot like recovery, but I know that this is not something that everyone takes seriously. 

Is recovery even part of your weekly routine or just an afterthought?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Are you taking at least 1 rest day?
• Have you booked yourself a massage in the last three months?
• Have you considered or tried different forms of therapy like acupuncture, cupping, physiotherapy, or seeing a chiropractor? 

If you answered no to all of those questions, the next question should be “why not?”

There’s a good chance that you’re covered by the health insurance you work so hard for.  It’s also a fun activity you could do with your partner or friend.

Recovery is self-care.

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, good for you, you’re off to a good start. 

Here are a few ways that I incorporate self-care into my recovery routine:

• Stroller walks to the local park or by the Humber River while listening to a podcast. 
• Practicing or taking a restorative or yin yoga class. 
• Doing contrast (hot/cold) therapy (sauna and cold plunges).
• Trying out a new recipe. 
• Connecting with my family and friends. This can be as simple as calling someone just to say hi. 
• Digital detox: Sundays, I like to put the phone away and be present with my family.

Check out some of my favourite local (Toronto) places to visit for a little R&R:

• Harbour Twenty 
• Othership  (Yorkville) – hot/cold therapy – click here
• YogaSpace – yoga class – click here
• Go Place – click here
• Vetta Nordic Spa – click here
• Scandinavian Spa – click here

What’s one way you can practice self-care this month? 

Comment down below, I’d love to hear what your self-care looks like.