October Self-Care Check-In!

Happy October my loves! As the year winds down I really want you to turn the focus toward self-love and self-care. It’s such an important recovery tool and such a good way to connect with yourself. I love the concept of cycles and stages of life, so I always see the end of the year as this beautiful, intentional, phase of turning within so that I can heal/analyze/let go of the months up to this point. I wanted to share with you some really wonderful and easy October Self-Care tips.

One of the traditional Autumn themes is that of letting go and releasing those things that are no longer good for you. Also enjoyment. Pure, absolute enjoyment, that’s a really important part too.

Here’s your October Self-Care Check-In!

-What do you need right now?
-How is your body feeling?
-What boundaries do you need to enforce?
-Is there anything upsetting you or bothering you?
-Have you taken care of your basic needs today?
-What are you holding onto that you need to let of?

For more self-care goodness, check out the Autumn Self-Care Challenge!

Start every morning in a loving manner. You have no idea how important it is that you wake up on the right side of the bed, it sets the tone for the whole day. Try to keep those “Ugh I don’t wanna get up and this day sucks” thoughts to a minimum. Be grateful for a brand new day, be kind to yourself (even when you wake up grumpy), and let yourself embrace The Happy. Savor that delicious cup of coffee, the smell of freshly cleaned clothes, and feeling of the cooler air against your skin.

Focus on comfort. As the temperatures wind down, make a conscious effort to dress for comfort and to wear things you are in love with. Find a nice pair of comfy pajamas to slip into the minute you walk into the door. Buy a brand new hoody to chase away the chill. Find clothes that make you happy and make you feel good. Fuzzy socks are awesome and I’ve got a secret love of onesie pjs.  I unapologetically have a donkey one!

You’re allowed to be an adult AND be a little ridiculous.

Remember this piece of advice: If being with someone means that you have to stop being yourself, move on and let it go. Choose you. Always choose you. Let go of those things that are making you betray yourself. I’ve learned this the hard way, many times. (See my experience dating an alcoholic) But it’s worth learning until I get it and I am trying to balance the size of my heart with my own sense of self.

Take the time to rest. Curl up with a warm blanket and a good book or magazine. Bonus points if you have a mug of tea, cocoa, or cider. When was the last time you intentionally relaxed? I don’t mean crashing on the couch for a Netflix binge after work, but something really beautiful and nourishing?

Breathe. Just take a moment to breathe.

Figure out how you can simplify your life a little. See if there’s anything you can cut out or get rid of. Autumn Decluttering? Yep, it’s that time!
Prune your friends list on social media. Let those people that make you feel yucky go. If you don’t want to unfriend them, “hide” their posts from your timeline. You’ll be happier for it.

Shed the things you no longer need like you’re a tree and they’re autumn leaves.

Try to spend all day without complaining! Be positive, compliment others, and focus on happiness and gently encourage the people around you to do the same! Try to think happy thoughts! I know that’s not always possible, I know there’s always life stuff in the way, sometimes serious life stuff, and it’s okay to be sad about those things. I always try to follow up my feelings with positive “but” feelings. Like, I may be in the mires of depression but I have amazing furballs to cuddle with.

If you don’t know your own boundaries, neither will anyone else. Set boundaries and honor them. Don’t feel like going out? Don’t. Is someone infringing on your comfort zone? Let them know. Having boundaries is one of the most important aspects of self-care, especially if you’re naturally a people-pleaser. (Like me)

You are allowed to say ‘no’.

Pay attention to self-neglect and those things that you do that don’t honor or respect who you are. Stop missing out on sleep for silly reasons, eat better, take a break, ask for help, you know what you need better than I do! If you find your self-talk being negative and overly critical – change the way that you talk to yourself.

Before you go to sleep tonight, make time to relax, unwind, and de-stress. What’s your nighttime ritual? Create one.

Pick a week this month to make time for favorites! Favorite foods, movies, activities, and people. Enjoy it all. Get some popcorn and have a movie night. It’s one of my favorite things.

I’d love to know! What’s your October Self-Care?