Simple Self-Care Session

Set the Mood

Light candles if it is nighttime. Alternatively, if you have rosewater or lavender water, feel free to do a few spritz in the room where you will do your self-care session. You don't need a special room for this session. I simply do my self-care session in my living room.

Then, sit in a comfortable position. Take a few moments here to sit in quiet (meditate). I recommend 5-10 minutes (or longer if meditation is already part of your routine). Set a timer so that you can let go and release yourself from the stress of keeping track of time. Sitting with yourself in quiet is a true gift.

Calm Your Body with Restorative Yoga

Depending on how much time you have, you can do 2-4 restorative poses. 

Props are pretty much required in a restorative yoga practice. The props allow you to release tension and completely relax. Common props include: blankets, blocks, eye pillow, straps, and a bolster. You do not need fancy yoga props in order to do restorative yoga at home. You can use anything you have at hand -- blankets, pillows, books, etc. A rolled up blanket can take the place of a bolster.

Restorative Yoga Series 

(set a timer for each pose)

1. Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani) -- 5 minutes
2. Supported Child's Pose (Salamba Balasana) -- 10 minutes
3. Reclining Cobbler's Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) -- 15 minutes
4. Basic Resting Pose (Savasana) -- 15 minutes

See Judith Hanson Lasater for more information on Restorative Yoga -- www.judithhansonlasater.com

Sea Salt Scrub for Your Body (DIY)

[items needed -- sea salt, oil, essential oil (if desired), large towel, and a washcloth]

• 2 parts sea salt (use sea salt, not iodized salt; small granules work great)
• 1 part oil (coconut, almond, sesame, olive -- any of these oils will work)
• essential oil drops -- use any scent you want (lavender, sage, lemon, rose, neroli, etc.); the number of drops will depend on how much of the salt scrub that you make.

The best option is to go outside to scrub the sea salt on your body. It's always so luscious to enjoy the sunshine while taking care of oneself.

Alternatively, you can place a towel on the floor in your home. Sit on the towel (I prefer to be naked for the scrubbing). I take a spoonful of the sea salt scrub, place it in my palm, then begin to rub it into my skin. I start at the bottom and work my way up. I scrub my right foot, then right shin and calf, then right quadracep and hamstring. I continue to take a spoonful at a time and scrub. And then I repeat on the left side. I gently rub the sea salt in a circular motion on my belly, my lower back, and buttocks. I gently rub my hands together, then rub my right wrist, right forearm, right upper arm, right shoulder, and right upper back. Then I repeat on the left side. 

After I have rubbed the sea salt scrub over every area of my body (avoid eye area), I lie down on my back for a few moments. Take a slow, deep inhale and a slow, deep exhale. Send loving gratitude to your body -- send extra love to any place in your body that needs a little extra boost. Our bodies do so much for us, our families, and our communities. Take this time to express your love and gratitude to this beautiful body that holds you so well. You can meditate here, chant mantras, and do anything in the world that makes you happy. Joy is medicine for your heart and soul.

When you feel ready, slow, gently come to sitting. Take the washcloth and begin to gently rub the salt off your body onto the large towel. Every movement in this process is done will bountiful love for yourself. You deserve this love. You need this love. 

Feel free to shower off, and then feel the smooth radiance of your glowing skin. 

>>>>>>> love <<<<<<<<<

.

.

.

.

.