Daily Self-Care Rituals for The New Year

“Anything can be self care. It can be as simple as making a hot tea for yourself and sitting in the sun. It can be going to a meditation group, or joining a women’s circle. Another very important part of self care is setting boundaries and saying “no” when you want to and need to. For example, not giving too much of yourself and your energy away. It can be treating yourself to a spa day, a nature day, a Vitamin IV drip, or even a holistic healing practitioner,” says Dr. Melanie Icard, a naturopathic medical doctor with a focus on female health.  

Check out our Q&A session with her below, and get ready to take some notes!

What’s your definition of self-care?

Self-care is caring for yourself; giving yourself time to regenerate, doing kind, gentle and even luxurious things for yourself. Self care is not an option, it’s an absolute must. I have made self care a huge if not the main part of my life. Of course it wasn’t always that way, it was something I had to learn and cultivate over time. 

What are some tips and ideas for creating a self-care routine in 2022? 

Number one tip is not to over schedule yourself so you have time for yourself. This is especially difficult for those of us suffering from FOMO. But trust me you are not missing anything except feeling good and rested.

Number two is making a ritual, a daily ritual. We are creatures of habit so stick with it until you won’t miss it. I believe many people say 21 days to create a habit. For instance every morning I do the 5 Tibetan rights, meditate, practice my charango ( a stringed instrument), water my plants, and walk my dog.

Number four is try new things. Many of us have not been taking care of ourselves and we don’t know what we might love as part of our self care routine. Ask friends, try things you have been curious about like a new meditation group or regenerative procedure or facial. Then realize what you love and more of that!

Number four is scheduling I found that if I don’t keep a regular schedule like every other Wednesday with my practitioner of choice it is incredibly easy to fall off and then start making excuses like I’m too busy, or he doesn’t have an opening that works for me and then completely forget about it until I realize I feel like crap. If you find something that works for you make it a schedule and keep it running.

Tell us about de-stigmatizing shame with regard to body image

Our body is our vessel and the healthier the vessel the better the energy and mental and emotional energy as well. Everything is connected. There is no part of herself that a woman should not love. We are the yin to the yang, we are capable of growing a life. The vagina or yoni is also known as the sacred garden and there should be no shame is cultivating your garden and putting positive energy into the creative sexual energy and allowing it to flow into all aspect of our lives.

How can we stop “glamorizing” burn out?

Burn out is completely lame and a fake patriarchal thing to glamorize. Feeling good feels good, balance is best. You cannot pour from an empty cup. When you are at your best then you will perform at your best. It only makes sense. Burning the candle at both ends is not sustainable and creates disease, trust me I see it everyday.

The best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones is self care. Not only will you be vital and glowing and able to spread your light to your loved ones but you will also be a good example of how to care for yourself and even a suggestion that self care is not only ok but necessary to a healthy life.

We’re always looking for ways to improve our health and get into healthy habits. Make sure you apply these and share them with your friends.

Dr. Melanie Icard