Finding the right balance of self-care practices are important during times of stress or deep inner work. If you have been feeling a lot of different emotions coming to the surface these past weeks, or feeling overwhelmed or just plain old stressed out, you need to be sure you are making time to take care of yourself.

There are five main areas to look at while you are processing a lot of feelings, thoughts, trauma or stress.

It is important to take care of yourself: physically, mentally, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.

Some ways to take care of your physical self are:

• Exercise - whether it be yoga, walking, running, swimming, weight training, or any other kind of activity. Be sure to do whatever it is you enjoy doing to stay healthy and fit. Get your circulation moving and the endorphins flowing.

• Sleep - be sure you are getting a minimum of 6 hours of sleep per night, even better if it is 7 or 8 hours.

• Diet - eat your fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and pick foods that are nourishing to your body, mind and soul. Avoid those overly processed foods and simple fast foods full of sugar and chemicals. Be sure you are drinking at least 2L of water per day.

Some ways to take care of yourself mentally are:

• Learn something new every day, whether it is a piece of knowledge or a new skill.

• Challenge yourself in new ways. Be curious and inquisitive.

Some ways to take care of yourself socially:

• Pick up the phone and call a loved one.

• Make time for cuddles and hugs.

• Send someone a note of appreciation and make contact with those people who are in your support circle.

Some ways to take care of yourself spiritually:

• Prayer, meditation, or japa

• Reading spiritual books or scripture

• Walk in nature

• Find things to be grateful for

Some ways to take care of yourself emotionally:

• Write daily in a journal, write down things you are grateful for or proud of

• Move your body: dance, walk, run, shake

• Listen to music

• Sing a song

• Reach out and connect with someone you love and feel supported by

Remember, doing this deep work of transformation is a marathon, not a sprint. Doing a little bit every day to bring about more balance, healing and wholeness into your life is an important part of creating a sustainable self-care routine.

Be kind and compassionate with yourself.

Drop me a note in the comments below and let me know what self-care activity you plan on focusing on for this next week!