Self-Care Challenge- Day 4: Nourish

The definition of “nourish” is to promote healthy growth.

Nourishment can come from food, which is what most people think of. Today, you can totally have a nourishing food snack. However, you can also nourish your mind and spirit. What non-food snack (micro moment of self-care) can you make time for today?

Taking time to nourish your mind, body, and spirit can help you find some balance and calm in your life.

Here are 10 non-food snacks to nourish your mind and spirit:

Mind–

Reduce your screentime: I recently started using an app blocker on my phone and it has reduced my doom scrolling CONSIDERABLY. And I’ve noticed, even in the 3 days I’ve been using it, my mind has been a lot clearer and less anxious.
Self-reflection: I love journaling. I use my journal as a place to basically dump all of my thoughts, negative and positive. When I do this, it’s really therapeutic.
Get some fresh air: I get it. Going outside seems like a lot some days. But, if you’re able to even just open the window and get some fresh air, it can help you feel refreshed.
Listen to music: Listening to music we love has an immediate effect on our brain. It can help improve our mood, soothe us, and it make us feel inspired. This Time Magazine article has more information about music and the brain if you’re curious.
Practice gratitude: Lots of people say that we need to practice gratitude. But what does it do for our brain? One of the things it does is release dopamine and serotonin which are hormones and neurotransmitters that are associated with positive feelings. They basically boost our moods and enhance feelings of happiness.

Spirit–

Sleep: Sleep may not seem productive, but it’s actually one of the most productive things you can do. It’s the time when your body recovers from all the activities of the day. For your mind and spirit, allowing your mind to rest can help calm your spirit. If you believe in a deeper connection, sleep can also help you tap into your subconscious and offer insight into yourself.
Breathwork: It is often believed that the breath is a bridge between the body and spirit. When we practice intentional breathing exercises, it can help regulate our nervous system, calm the mind, and bring your awareness to the present moment.
Get creative: When we engage in a creative activity, we give our thoughts and emotions a physical outlet. This can help us process our feelings, relieve stress, and connect with your true self. This can help you better understand your dreams, strengths, challenges, and how you see your world.
Connect with a loved one: As humans, we crave connection. When we reach out and are able to connect with someone we love, it gives us a safe space to express our feelings, share our joys, and seek advice on anything we’re struggling with. Most importantly, these connections help foster a sense of belonging and inner peace.
Acts of kindness: Performing an act of kindness can help foster connection, empathy, and healing. It can also give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Acts of kindness can create a ripple effect in your community that spreads beyond you and the original recipient. These positive acts help create a more compassionate community.