Hiya Gorgeous!
Does your life ever feel like a treadmill?
You’re running and running—trying to take care of your loved ones, pets, home, career, community (and maybe love on the planet a bit, too).
Plus, you have a never-ending list of self-improvements to apply: Lose weight. Get stronger. Workout. Meditate. Improve gut health. Whiten teeth. Smooth wrinkles. Drink water. Sharpen mind. Learn new skills. Be kinder. And on and on.
That treadmill can sure get tiring, can’t it, sweetheart?
Too often, self-care feels like just one more thing to keep you running. Another task on the to-do list. A response to the constant pressure to improve. But what if there were a better way?
Real self-care should feel nurturing, not nagging.
So if the idea of self-care feels like a burden, recognize that it’s probably because you’re putting pressure on yourself to do “all the things”. Instead, give yourself permission to simplify. Start by focusing on just a few healthy habits to help you love yourself the easy way. That’s what I want to explore with you today.
Now let’s explore a few healthy habits you can try.
6 Simple Self-Care Practices to Love Yourself with Today
1. Start your day with introspection
Here’s how I greet each morning: I wake up, light a candle and meditate for 10 minutes. Then I make tea, write in my Results Journal and maybe read something uplifting. That’s it. When times are stressful, it’s easy to turn on the news or pop open social media and feel the energy seep right out of your body. Instead, make a vow to start your day by filling your well. If you have to get up 15 minutes earlier, do it. That time of sweet self-care will be well worth it.
2. Nourish your body first
What you eat is who you become. By choosing to nourish your body first thing, you’re setting the tone for the rest of the day. Water, green juice and avocado toast (or a hearty smoothie!) will give you a boost of sustainable, nutrient-packed energy. If you love coffee, guess what? You don’t have to give it up. Instead, just try adding in a smoothie or some green juice first. Give your body a healthy burst of nutrients, alkalinity and antioxidants, then sip the joe.
I call that my add-before-you-subtract principle, by the way. So much nutritional guidance hinges on deprivation—on what you give up. But I believe true health is about abundance. It’s about piling on the good, deeply-nourishing stuff. Once you add enough goodness to your plate (or your life!), the mediocre is naturally crowded out.
3. Talk to your cravings
As your day unfolds, notice if you find yourself battling cravings. Maybe it’s cookies, chips, a mindless hour of Facebook scrolling, or a smoke. Those cravings aren’t always about the sugar, caffeine, or whatever it is you’re jonesin’ for. In fact, they rarely are. More often, they’re a plea from your higher self. Instead of mindlessly acquiescing to the urge, ask yourself what desire it really represents.
Do you need more sweetness in your life? A time out from stress? Some love? An apology? A chance to rest? What’s the craving attempting to fill for you? And what could you do to satisfy that itch (and your soul) instead? Remember, you’ll get better results if you add something to serve that deeper desire than if you try to subtract the craving itself.
4. Practice The Daily Ten
You feel better when you move your body. There’s no denying it. But it does feel challenging to fit in a daily workout, doesn’t it? So let’s start with something more attainable: Just move for 10 minutes. Even when you can’t do a full-blown gym workout, you do have 10 minutes to move. Let this be something easy and something that feels good to you. Take a stroll, stretch on your living room floor, or turn up the tunes and shake what your mama gave you!
5. Cultivate what nourishes your soul
Your plate doesn’t contain all the answers when it comes to nourishing your sweet self. We all need soul-nourishment, too. We need to make space for the activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. Without them, we wither.
These go beyond our daily routines, too. You may enjoy your job, but it won’t always satisfy you. I’m sure you love your family, but they can’t always be around (or pleasant!) to encourage you. So what’s one thing you could do that would bring you some smiles this week?
Maybe you should take a few minutes to draw or paint or dance. Perhaps you could call a friend, take a bath, or love on your pet (or foster a new one!). It can be anything that renews your spirit. So what is it for you? What nourishes your soul? What makes you feel more connected, happy, or of service? Whatever it is, do more of it this week.
6. Have compassion for yourself
Unfortunately, suffering is a natural part of life. We can’t avoid it—especially now with the collective challenges we’re all facing. The trick is to acknowledge your struggle and then bear-hug it with compassion. Compassion is the medicine. Once you apply compassion you’ll be able to take the lessons and move through the discomfort. Residual ouchies may remain, but they won’t harden you. We all have scars. They give us character. I have old wounds on my knees from bike crashes and canoe flips. And then there are the cancer scars. All of which are a part of me now, neither pretty or ugly, just there—inviting me to practice some self-compassion.
If you do nothing else to love yourself today, start by offering yourself a bit of kind compassion.
Breathe. Smile. I love you. You love you.
Progress Not Perfection
I’m done with the pressure-packed, “do all the things” definition of self-care. Aren’t you, toots? It’s just not worth staying on that treadmill.
Our new mantra for self-care is progress, not perfection. Often, when we start from an extreme place and seek extreme results, we set ourselves up for extreme disappointment.
Instead, let’s reimagine a new, gentle kind of self-care. One where a few healthy habits make our lives feel more steady. One where we feel nurtured—body, mind and spirit.
As you step forward in self-care this week, remember: Simplicity. Ease. Grace.
Let the turtle be your guide. Slow and steady, my glorious friend. From a spiritual perspective, there is no race, anyway. There’s only growing.
Your turn: What’s one simple thing you’ll do to nurture yourself today?
Growth & grace,
Kris, I was so excited to see your intention to do more with animals! I love it as that is also my main intention this year – to figure out how I can turn my love of rescuing/working with animals into my everyday life instead of just a hobby. I wanted to share an absolutely beautiful sanctuary in Thailand that I know about and donate to. Gemma, the founder, is such an inspiration and just goes to show how much light you can bring to the world when you just decide to do something. If you or any other Crazy Sexy Lifers get the opportunity, please check out the Thai Animal Sanctuary (http://www.thaianimalsanctuary.com/). Here’s a little video they made about their 2012 accomplishments.
PS – Is there anything cuter than your pic with the little doe! 🙂
It’s funny how things and people show up in your life just when you need them. I can hardly believe that I’d never heard of you before a week ago. You’re fantastic and this article is just what I needed this morning : ) Thank you!
Crazy Sexy Kris,
I have been a fan since you appeared on Oprah years ago and your spirit has fueled my own journey in wellness and quality of life. Your incessantly positive words always serve to remind me of staying focused on what really matters. Your nutritional advise keeps me inspired in the kitchen. I love love love what you are doing for humanity with your crazy sexy self and soul! Just wanted to say thanks – Be well, Be whole, Be happy!
Crazy Sexy Jujoo
Hi Kris!
I want to first thank you! Your words are so full of truth. They are exactly what my mind needed to see and my heart needed to hear. Approaching the end of my first year of plant based living, your post has been full of inspiration. With the stress of everyday life, I tend to neglect my own needs, specifically spiritual. I am going to try to take your advice with 15 minutes in the morning to try and reconnect. You were an inspiration in “Hungry for Change” and I am so glad I found your web site! Thank you!!
~Jill
Thanks I needed that! I have a minimum of five books on weight and exercise I’m reading all with different takes on what to eat. I’m very confused. I’m also very overweight. I like your idea of slowing down and that’s gotta be better than what I’ve been doing.
Thanks to Kris Carr my husband and I are green smoothie fans. Growing up in a Puerto Rican family, our meals never consisted of greens except for iceberg lettuce. My taste buds are exploding with the fabulous smoothies I am making. I am a true follower and want to learn more about eating healthy and making a difference in my body, mind and soul.
Palante
Nereida
Hi Kris,
I really appreciated the practical advice about slow and steady. I have been on this path for four years now and the results speak for themselves. I am really looking forward to finding a way to incorporate green drinks on a regular basis!!
You are so right, how we speak to ourselves can make a tremendous difference. I constantly coach myself back to a balanced internal voice. Best wishes for the day!
Hi, I love your book crazy sexy diet. I have recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritus in knee , would a totally raw diet help with pain etc.
Ah, this is awesome! Firstly, I love the idea of reading by candlelight first thing in the morning. I’m fascinated by people’s morning routines, and this one sounds so scrumptious! I imagine I’d want to sit there all day 🙂
Second, your note about wanting to work with animals reminded me of my boyfriend. Animals and conservation are his BIG passions. He’s in a job that’s far from lighting him up right now, and he’s also marinating on exactly how he can move into working more with animals. I hope the dream comes true for both of you 🙂
Kris, I have sent so many your way….I think I first heard of you during an Oprah interview. Thanks for being the cheerleading Wellness Warrior we all need. Many many hugs & much love! (:
Thank you for my inspiration! God bless you Kris.
Kris,
Thank you for shining your light for all of us! I appreciate your kind and thoughtful insight and inspiration…your words are balm for the soul.
Gratitude & Blessings,
Denise 🙂
p.s. “The Myth of Finding Your Purpose” was BRILLIANT! And, such a powerful reminder for me. Merci! 🙂
Dear Kris, I am so grateful for your all the inspiration, encouragement, wisdom and love you share…
you are priceless. Thank you………love and light, Rachel
This blog came at the right time!! What a treat for my email box. I have been in a “beat-myself-up” mode since attempting to eat a high-fruit, low fat diet over the past few months. I’ll make it a day or two and then binge on awful vegan junk food. Your reminder to go easier on myself has been a godsend. Thanks!!
Hi Kris! Love how you start your mornings! Thanks for passing on the wisdom! xxoo
You are an angel Kris, thank you for being such an amazing inspiration to all of us!
Lots of love from Canada!
Looking to start green juicing and my question is what is the best juicer to purchase? Best = most nutrients + ease of use + ease to clean?
Erin, did you get the answer to your question about best juicer? I want to start juicing too!
Erin, did you get the answer to your question about best juicer? I want to start juicing too!
Kris,
This is great. Thank you! Remembering these words kept me from going into an all out ‘binge’ on sugar when I slipped in my new year’s aspirations of cutting down on the sugar in my diets. Also, how amazing is the green smoothie/juice for breakfast?! Knowing I am having that in the morning is such a grounding action of self-love.
Thank you for your inspiration,
Natalie
Kris + fawn = priceless. But somehow totally unsurprising– of course you have a fawn in your backseat…
Ha! Was one of the best days of my life. 🙂
You are so inspirational…reading what you wrote here made me feel so much better about myself!! I try so hard to to everything right, and I am so imperfect…you give me hope that I’m ok, I’m not a failure….Thank you Kriss from the bottom of my heart!!! <3