My self-care routine is always evolving, because I’m always growing, learning, and needing different things. You’ve likely noticed the same for yourself as well if you have ever followed a consistent self-care routine.
I feel like in the last year, my self-care routine took a sharp turn towards the mystical and magical! This past year I was introduced to the moon phases and all of the magic they bring, oracle cards, healing crystals and spirit guides. I shed many tears of awe and joy from the deeply intense feelings of connectedness and divine guidance I received.
So for 2018, there are a few new additions going into my self-care routine. And here is what I recommend to anyone: create time for self-care, otherwise, it will get put on the back burner. Knowing that I have time carved out for self-care helps me to release anxiety and stress because I can anticipate alone time to recharge and connect with myself.
Look at your month and then look at your weeks – where can you make time for yourself? Here’s what I’m looking forward to this year in my self-care routine:
Moon Rituals
The moon is perfect because she is our constant reminder of magic, energy, the Divine, and to stop and connect with ourselves.
I plan on doing four monthly self-care rituals that follow the energy of the moon. This means I’ll have a weekly date with myself and spirit guides to look forward to! I’ll be setting intentions that I want to manifest every New Moon, taking inspired action every Waxing Moon, celebrating with gratitude every Full Moon, and releasing and resting every Waning Moon.
These rituals are the most restorative for me because my kids are in bed, the house is quiet, I have very soft lighting on, and I’m connecting with myself and the Divine.
Morning Self-Care
I’m not a morning person so my morning routine has never been extensive. I also homeschool my two sons who are early risers, so my house is always nice and loud when I wake up! But I still find it so beneficial to take anywhere from 10-30 minutes to be intentional.
I frequently share my morning routine on my Instagram stories. If I have more than 10 minutes, I light incense, read a few pages from a daily book (Simple Abundance and Heart Thoughts are two of my favorites) and then fill out one of my morning worksheets. All of my bundles come with one, but lately I’ve been using the two that come in my moon bundle.
The thing I love most about a morning worksheet is that it’s quick while still being powerful. I set my intentions for the day, focusing on how I want to feel (which I believe is most important), write down what I’m appreciating to get my vibration up, release onto the paper any “to-do’s” that are floating around in my head, and do a quick visualization. The reason I’ve been using my moon morning worksheets is because there’s an additional section for a daily oracle card pull, which I always find so helpful and comforting.
Reading
This year I plan to focus more of my time on reading inspirational books because nothing gets my mindset into a more powerful mode than when I’m filling it with words of truth and encouragement.
I tend to get into a bad habit of just scrolling my phone before falling asleep, letting other people’s moods and stories be the last impression I leave on my subconscious mind. This is horrible! Right before we fall asleep is the PERFECT and BEST time to imprint what we want in life onto our subconscious minds.
Reading even a page or two from a book like Wishes Fulfilled before I fall asleep is enough to get me into that higher vibration where we all love to dwell. My favorite thing to do is highlight passages in my favorite manifesting books and re-read over those passages before I fall asleep.
One way I’m going to encourage myself to do this more is by hosting a book club where I intend to read a magical book every month and then discuss it with others. If you’re not already in the Dwell in Magic Facebook group, I invite you to come join us. We’ll be choosing a book once a month that revolves around the topics of manifesting, self-care and moon magic.
How I plan to implement the time
I’m a homeschooling, work-at-home mom so I do most of my self-care once my kids are in bed. Back when they were younger and I was breastfeeding and waking up a lot, I did a lot of reading inspirational books while nursing or laying next to them while they fell asleep (I still lay next to them while they fall asleep and I usually try to spend that time reading something that gets my vibration and belief up).
I’m always looking for where I can make the most of my time. I also had a discussion a few years ago with my husband and we agreed to take turns putting the kids to bed so that the other parent can have the evening “off”. So every Monday and Wednesday night he puts the kids to bed and I know I can “clock out” of parenting duties at 6pm.
If I worked outside the home, I would listen to inspirational podcasts on the way to and from work. I’d read or write in my planner/journal on my lunch break. If I was single or had a partner that worked a lot, I would do self-care once my kids were in bed, which is what I do most often myself anyway. I would start small and not feel like my self-care time has to be a big production.
Suggested items for your self-care routine
- Journal
- A planner of some sort where you write down your intentions/goals/dreams and refections. I love the Inner Guide Planner for this but you can also do it on blank sheets of paper.
- Relaxing playlist
- Incense/candles
- Books
This is all I started with several years ago when I began this delicious, rewarding journey into sacred self-care, minus the incense and candles. I was basic as hell! I had my journal, planner, books and Norah Jones. And my life began to transform.
What’s your self-care plan for 2018?! I’d love to read about it in the comments! I’m wishing you lots of magic, healing, excitement, and love this year. For more self-care inspiration, connect with me on Instagram, the Dwell in Magic Facebook group, and sign up for my newsletter if you’d like to receive updates on new blog posts.
xo
Jessica
Jessica Dimas is the creator of Manifesting Magic with the Moon. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram for more inspiration and updates.
Jessica Dimas
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Jessica, I so appreciate the reminder to not dive into mindlessness before bed. That can be when Netflix or Facebook happens for me. I’m going to adopt your habit as my own – I LOVE this, “Right before we fall asleep is the PERFECT and BEST time to imprint what we want in life onto our subconscious minds.” There are so many inspirational books I could be filling my mind with – and will be starting tonight. I also followed your moon ritual oracle practice beginning late last year and they are a winner! Thank you!
So glad to hear that Janice! And yes, I try to remind myself of this every day about the whole falling asleep while reading or thinking about something that I want to sink deep into my subconscious mind. Thank you for commenting!
I keep a journal to assess my day and to write all my plans and goals. I wanted them to be written so I can glance on them when the year ends.
Yes, I love that Cassie!