Self care is a topic that seems to be getting more mainstream, and for good reason. Taking proper care of ourselves and making a deliberate effort to prioritize our wellbeing is not only essential for our health, but it allows us to show up better every day.
Over the past few months, I’ve shared a few blog posts about practicing self care, including the different types. So for today’s post, we’re going to focus on spiritual self care or you can say spiritual self help, one of the dimensions many of us don’t know much about.
What is Spiritual Self Care?
Spiritual self care is comprised of actions we take to deepen our connection with our higher self: who we truly are. This part of ourselves is the REAL us, driven by our deep desires and what matters most to us at our core. It’s separate from the ego, and is instead driven by the soul. Practicing spiritual self care not only leads to greater inner peace, but it can help us live in greater alignment with our core values.
Sounds pretty magical right?
Here are some types and strategies for practicing spiritual self care.
What Is Spiritual Self Care? How to Practice it Today
1. Meditate.
We talked about this practice in my post 5 Simple Ways to Practice Emotional Self Care Now.
While meditation has numerous benefits, it can truly be a spiritual practice and one that connects you to your higher self. Because it involves calming your mind and disconnecting from thoughts, you’re able to more easily ground yourself and also receive any divine guidance. It eliminates the noise (driven by your ego!) and creates space for you to just be.
If you’re new to meditation, it doesn’t have to be hard! In fact, I’m pretty new myself. Some things you can try are:
Listening to the Headspace app. They have a 10-day meditation guide that’s absolutely free, and can help teach you the basics.
Finding a quiet space and focusing on either your breath, a mantra, or on counting to 10 (and then starting back again at 1).
Listen to a guided meditation. I personally love the meditations on the Insight Timer app.
2. Practice gratitude.
As I shared in my post 5 Easy Ways to Practice Gratitude Every Day, this is something I’m really passionate about.
Whether it be keeping a gratitude journal, making it a daily ritual to reflect on what you’re thankful for, or going out and thanking those you appreciate, there are multiple ways to make gratitude a regular practice.
By practicing gratitude, you focus on positive things, raising your vibration and increasing the likelihood of more good being manifested into your life. And it connects you with what’s most important which is all about your higher self!
3. Spend time in nature.
This is one practice I have to say I could be better at. I’m not really outdoorsy myself, and living in a cold climate, it’s not always a delight to go for a walk when it’s -20 C outside. But there are major benefits to spending time in nature, especially when it comes to our spiritual sides.
By immersing yourself in nature, you’re able to disconnect from the noise of everyday life, connect with your senses, and be in solitude. It can also help with mindfulness.
4. Attend a religious service.
Participating in group prayer or meditation works on so many levels. It gives us a sense community, reinforces our values and beliefs, and connects us with something greater than ourselves.
If you’re not particularly religious, don’t fret! I’ve found these benefits through group meditation and group coaching sessions. These are all about connecting with likeminded people and the experience is healing and empowering.
Not sure where to start? Look for a meditation group or religious meeting in your community – one that aligns with your values. Try it out and see how you feel. It may be outside your comfort zone, but that’s all the more reason to give it a shot.
You can also pray or set intentions by yourself if that’s more up your alley.
5. Treat yourself.
So much about spiritual self care and connecting to your higher self is honouring yourself and your self worth. But how can you incorporate that into your everyday life?
Wear those fancy earrings you would normally save for a special occasion. Cook yourself an indulgent meal like purple hull peas, just because. Little things like that can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself and the magic around you.
These are some of my favorite spiritual self care activities. If you can have anything good, just use the comment box and let me know! I will give a try! Thanks in advance!
Why is Spiritual Self Care Important?
Spiritual self-care has been crucial in my life, helping me find inner peace and emotional balance, which significantly reduces my stress and anxiety. It provides a sense of purpose and meaning, making my life more fulfilling and satisfying.
Engaging in spiritual practices like meditation and mindfulness has improved my mental clarity and focus, while fostering empathy and compassion has enhanced my relationships and community connections. Overall, these practices have not only supported my physical health but also encouraged personal growth and a positive outlook on life.
My Favorite Spiritual Self Help Books
You may find it easier to watch movies or listen to something rather than read a book. However, believe me, self-help books are something else entirely. They can change your life, and you might even become addicted to reading. The first book I tried was ‘Ikigai’. It’s truly the secret to happiness, just like the book cover says.
Do you know what makes self-help books different from all other genres? In these books, the reader is the main character, and he or she has to take action. After reading my first book, I discovered many other interesting self-help books. ‘Atomic Habits’, ‘The Four Agreements’, ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’, and ‘The Power of Now’ are my personal favorites.
I’d like to share with you my recent favorite, ‘Spiritual Self Care for Black Women‘. This isn’t just a self-help book; it’s a year planner that includes self-reflection activities and journaling pages. It’s especially beneficial for Black women who are struggling with mental health due to social challenges. This planner will help you understand that you are unique in your own way and guide you to find that uniqueness.
My Favorite Spiritual Self Help Podcasts
In my opinion, listening is a form of therapy in itself. Whether it’s the soothing sounds of nature or your favorite music, what you hear can significantly impact your mood and mindset.
One of the greatest advantages of podcasts is their accessibility—you can listen to them anywhere, whether you’re tackling household chores or traveling. Podcasts can offer profound clarity and insight into your thoughts and feelings.
I particularly enjoy listening to podcasts while traveling. I usually use Spotify and Apple Podcasts to tune into my favorites, such as Murmures Nocturnes and Self Care IRL podcasts. These are incredibly helpful in providing clarity on our spiritual journeys.
