My self-care begins with creating a balanced schedule at work and at home. I keep up the activities that keep me healthy – exercise, acupuncture, healthy eating, sleep. I try not to deviate much from my regular self-care so that returning to them is no big deal. I don’t make many New Year’s resolutions – though I reflect on the past year and the year ahead. Finally, I work on being grateful and thankful!
- Julie Silver, Acupuncturist
I schedule some time to reflect on the past year and create a new vision for the future. This is my favorite form of self-care. I often journal regarding what I’ve learned from the year, be it through my own personal experiences or from the more global shifts. I then choose a few key words and ideas to be the “theme” of the next year, so that I’m able to see life through the lens of that ideology. In the past I’ve chosen words like “Joy,” “Serenity” and “Transformation.” It is an honor and a privilege to be able to create the context of our lives and shift how we view situations. Every year during this time I enjoy newly creating my goals for myself and for the world at large.
- Monica Mae Leibson, Acupuncturist
The stress and hectic nature of the holidays is in contrast to the energy of winter, which is quiet, slow and reflective. Winter is also associated with the kidney organ (most basic of our energy) and is the water element. So, nourishing the kidney is important to staying healthy. I try to nourish my kidney energy and myself by paying close attention to my diet, moods and exercise. I nourish myself with a diet of more warm, cooked foods, and I eat less raw or cold foods and beverages. The kidney is at its strongest between 5-7 p.m. so that is a good time to have a peaceful, warm meal like hearty soup. I drink more warm water and hot tea and try to be more aware of too much salt. For me, self-care after the holidays also means exercise that is more gentle with stretching and breathing. I love doing pilates.
Here’s my favorite breakfast in winter: Combine whole oats oatmeal or steel cut oats with almond milk, 1-2 tablespoons of hemp seeds (for added protein) and/or chia seeds, dash of cinnamon, splash of vanilla, and a sliced ripe banana. Cook on low heat until it’s the right consistency. Pour the hot oatmeal over a heaping teaspoon or tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter and mix all together. It’s a great way to start the day!
- Karen Siegel Propis, Acupuncturist
I focus on restoring myself and my family. The hectic holidays drains this self-proclaimed introvert. I am a fan of Danish parenting and design. The Danes practice “hygge” which basically translates as “being cozy”. We do a lot snuggling with thick blankets and warm teas/stews/broths in front of the fire. We spend a lot more time doing a lot less. It works for us.
- Jennifer Pillow-White, CranioSacral Therapist
I self-care by exercising on a regular basis. I have found that when I exercise regularly, I am more patient and have the ability to give more to my family and work. It is not always easy to make time for it, but making it a priority helps me to take care and focus on myself!
- Julie Shindler-Cohen, Acupuncturist
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