Self-Care & Creativity // 7 Ideas for a Self-Care Retreat (at home)

Self care is an important part of a mindful existence.  When we focus on taking care of ourselves we are more aware, more energized, and more inspired to live a creative life.  Self care gives us the ability to work on our well being allowing us to live solely in the moment.  In the Five Sixteenths Blog | Live Creatively Facebook group, you'll find a few mantras in the Mindful Meditations album.  One of these is from a very favorite gentleman of mine, Newt Scamander:

"Worrying means you suffer twice."

Dedicating time to self care means we are dedication time to life with out worry.  We aren't focused on what will happen next, we're not focused on the work we must do tomorrow, we're not focusing on the chores that need to be done.  We're focusing on what we need, in this moment, right now.

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There are a ton of weekend retreats where like minded individuals gather to focus on personal growth & development, relax, and simply leave stress at the door.  We don't always have the time (or the money) to schedule elaborate retreats for ourselves but we can always benefit from the me time that comes from these gatherings.  You can do a simple retreat at your own home, even if you only have a few hours.  If you live by yourself, or maybe with just a partner, you may have an easier time of this.  But if you can organize some child care, maybe send them to their grandparents', or even spend a bit and sneak away to a local hotel - it's definitely worth it.  Check out groupon or other coupon/discount style websites to see if you can get a good deal on a decent hotel down the road!

Here are 7 ways to enjoy a self care retreat at home

Enjoy a long bath or shower

Taking a long, relaxing bath or shower is great me time.  Enjoy a glass of wine and a soak in Epsom or Himalayan Sea Salt bath.  Stir in some essential oil blends for an even more centering effect.  Use Lavender for relaxation or try Wild Orange to feel nurtured and supported.  

Back yard happiness

Going outdoors is good for you!  If you have a back patio or a even a balcony, enjoy time in nature.  You can journal or meditate, but why not slip from your relaxing bath into your back yard for some sunshine and fresh air (clothed, of course!)  Light a few candles or even burn some incense on a side table.  Take in the greenery or even lay in the grass and sunbathe.  

Meditation & journaling

Even if you haven't set aside a room or area in your house as a sacred space, take time to intentionally choose an area that makes you feel the most comfortable.  You personal space like a bedroom or even an outside space where you feel connected to yourself is perfect.  Practice your breathing, focus on your breath, repeat a mantra.  Meditate with a crystal that calls to you.  Or journal your thoughts & feelings.  Art journaling is a good thing to do, too!  Each week in the Five Sixteenths | Live Creatively group you'll find a new journal prompt, too.  In case you need some inspiration!

Sleep in

Who doesn't need a good excuse for a goodnight's rest.  Fall asleep with your favorite essential oils diffusing or make a pillow mist so that you sink into relaxing bliss.  Sleep in the next morning, or if you're a natural riser just enjoy a little more time in bed.  Let yourself be pampered by drinking your coffee or tea surrounded by your comfy pillows.

Eat good foods

You may want to take a trip to a farmer's market by yourself.  Surround yourself with good, healthy foods that make you feel good when you eat them.  Cook yourself your favorite breakfast or lunch if you can't really get away.  Enjoy the meal slowly & with out distraction.

Unplug

The best part about moving to a different place in your house, outside, or to a whole new venue is that you can leave your phone alone.  Unplug from your devices and plug into yourself.  Use this time to plug into your intuition, learn something new, read a spirituality or self development book.  If you do use an iPad or the like to read ebooks, consider turning the data or the wifi off so you're not distracted by notifications that come through.  I like to put my devices in night shift mode if I'm able to do so.

Get creative

Currently were going through a major lunar phase here - we're working through not one, but two lunar cycles where the new moon will fall in Leo.  Leo asks us to be passionate & creative.  Leo asks us to express from the heart! Self care is about working with your self to be your best self.  Take the time during a retreat like this to make something.  Paint, draw, craft, try something new.  Even an art journal can be a great way to work towards self care.  I'm sharing in the Live Creatively Facebook group some journal prompts to get you through this lunar cycle & connect you with your Heart Chakra.  The prompts are based off of the cards in the Connected Chakras Affirmation deck which you can purchase here.  So be sure to jump over to the group for creative inspiration!

A self care retreat can be as elaborate as you need it to be.  I would say if you can't dedicate a whole weekend, dedicate one day or even a solid afternoon.  Don't do this in haste!  Take a good 5 or 6 hours to focus on you.  This is not something you want to rush.

Hopefully a retreat here & there will realign you with yourself and enlighten your creativity.

How do you implement self care?  What routines are important to you?  Share in the comments below or in the Five Sixteenths Blog | Live Creatively Facebook group.

xox, Moe