Our July Self-Care Guide just landed and it includes great books, meditations, mantras and more.
We’re halfway through the year and have many opportunities to make the second half even better than the first. This is also the perfect time to pause and take a pulse on how we’re treating ourselves. As we sashay into July, I’m humbled to offer you a brilliant guide for the month. This month’s theme is compassion because sometimes life moves too quickly and we forget the very important task of being kind to ourselves.
In this series, you’ll be introduced to practices, products, and inspiration that will help guide you through these next few weeks and unearth your full potential. Be sensitive to your time and don’t feel like you need to try everything (or everything at once). Feel free to pick what speaks to you from the inspiration below, and remember that there is no wrong way to engage in self-care.
Self-Care For Your Mind
Listen To This Meditation:
Welcome more love into your life by escaping inward through meditating to this guided meditation. Take just thirteen minutes to meditate and listen to your breathing (and your heart). There are so many benefits to meditation, and it’s one of the best habits you can create in order to be more compassionate towards yourself.
Give Yourself Good Advice:
"The best advice you can give yourself is the advice you'd give your best friend." - Kristin Chiles
Imagine if you treated yourself the way you treat your best friend. Why not give it a try? We always give our friends the most compassionate advice that comes straight from the heart. So, now is the time to cut the negative self-talk and give yourself the gift of being kind. You’re amazing and need to remind yourself of that [much] more often.
Read This Self-Care Book:
What’s better than one book on compassion? Seven to choose from! A Stanford happiness expert has curated the perfect list of books that will help you fall deeper in love with yourself. All of the books are entertaining, inspiring, and research-backed! Take these to the beach, on the plane, or keep them by your bedside table for a weeknight self-care session.
Self-Care For Your Body
Practice This Yoga Pose:
CHILD'S POSE (BALASANA) IMAGE: courtesy healthline
You are constantly hustling, moving, and chasing your dreams. Sometimes you might forget to take a breath and just relax. It’s okay to stop every once in awhile and just exist. That’s why I suggest taking it easy with a child’s pose. If you need a little more movement, try one of these hip openers. We tend to store a lot of emotions in our hips, so stretch out the stale vibes!
Let Loose A Little:
via GIPHY
Read our Sips & Songs article by Deborah Stoll because sometimes the best thing you can do for your body is let loose a little. The latest in our “Perfect Pairings” series will help you get more in touch with your temple. Check out these five grooving songs that are ideally matched with a soothing drink.
Smell These Aromas:
via GIPHY
Rose, Neroli, Melissa, Marjoram, Everlasting, Lemon, Yarrow, Eucalyptus, Jasmine, Chamomile, and Lavender
These essential oils will help balance your heart chakra and bring you closer to your best self. Heal your fourth chakra and use these scents to be empathetic in the present moment. By working on your heart chakra, you’ll be opening yourself up to give and receive more love.
Self-Care For Your Spirit
Your July horoscopes are here and the old you may be ready to die. In the theme of compassion, read it with an open heart, an honest smile, and a rejuvenated soul.Let go of the first half of the year and whatever you’re unnecessarily carrying. It’s time to recognize the innate power you have to change the course of your life. All it takes to create change is to be a bit kinder to yourself - regardless of how the stars align. This mindset will help you sink into the true meaning of your horoscope and guide you towards your destiny.
Recite This Mantra:
"Om Mani Padme Hum"
This mantra is said to be the embodiment of compassion. Say it out loud or silently to yourself and awaken your state of mind. This mantra is the most widely used of all Buddhist mantras and you can learn more about it here.
Remember This Self-Care Quote:
“Self-care is not selfish or self-indulgent. We cannot nurture others from a dry well. We need to take care of our own needs first, so that we can give from our surplus, our abundance. When we nurture others from a place of fullness, we feel renewed instead of taken advantage of.”
Hold This Crystal:
Rose Quartz
Summer lovin’ has arrived and it’s radiating through rose quartz! This magical crystal arouses love and understanding. It is the stone for the hopeless romantic and is the best way to harmonize energies. I suggest you carry this in your pocket, on jewelry or a keychain to always keep love close to you. Take it all in and feel your heart grow!
It’s never too late to begin practicing self-care, and you should never feel guilty for doing so. Take this moment to slowly get to know your heart better and treat yourself with compassion. The rest of the world will be better for it.