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Hello my beautiful souls!
Welcome back to the Modern Manifestation blog. <3
The holidays are just around the corner, and for many of us, so is the stress and anxiety that comes with it. However, the holidays do not have to be a time of stress and dysregulation. With a few self-care tips, you can begin to reclaim your energy (and your sanity). So today, I want to discuss a few of my favorite self-care practices that can be done easily, with little cost associated.
Remember, self-care does not have to be expensive OR time consuming. Even a few minutes a day will make all the difference this holiday season. Let's jump in!
Epsom Salt Baths
The first tip I have for self-care is one of my favorite things to do—taking Epsom Salt Baths.
Before you decide against them, hear me out. Epsom salt baths are very calming for the body and the nervous system. They're known to:
Regulate your electrolytes for proper function of the muscles, nerves, and enzyme production
Relieves pain
Relaxes muscles
Eliminates toxins from the body through reverse osmosis
Perhaps most important, help us rebalance our magnesium levels (more on this below)
The last bullet point may be a surprise to many. Did you know that magnesium can be absorbed through the skin? Well, Epsom salt baths are a great way to increase your magnesium levels!
Why is magnesium important?
As the 4th most common mineral in our body, magnesium is critical for better sleep, relaxation, optimum blood sugar levels, inflammation, depression, heart health, bone health, anxiety, and so many more processes within the body.
When we experience high cortisol and adrenaline levels (aka, stress hormones), we deplete our magnesium stores. When our magnesium levels are low, we can experience weight gain, anxiety, and so much more (which tends to add more stress for many of us). Perhaps unsurprisingly, more than half of the American population is magnesium deficient (getting less than half of our daily requirement). A great way to break this cycle is to increase your magnesium levels through Epsom salt baths!
Have you ever been told that you need to get more Vitamin D? Well, magnesium levels are also responsible for our Vitamin D levels. According to Pharmacy Times, low magnesium levels can make ANY vitamin D you are taking, ineffective! So if you're taking vitamin D supplements and you're still not getting enough? Your solution might be to get more magnesium.
An Epsom salt bath is not only very relaxing, but it is also a great way to help your body rebalance itself after a particularly stressful time; higher magnesium levels are associated with lower stress hormones overall, according to Magnesium: The Missing Link in Mental Health?.
For an easy and relaxing experience, fill up the tub, add a cup or more of Epsom salt, add your favorite essential oils (I prefer lavender), light some candles, and sink in for awhile. Try it at least once and notice how you feel afterward! My favorite Epsom salt is anything by Dr. Teal!
Meditation
My second favorite self-care tip is: meditation. Yes, just meditate! I know it sounds so simple, but meditation is one of the best ways to calm our nervous system, reduce our cortisol levels, and find peace... especially when we're in a stressful environment. And, all you need is a place to sit or stand.
I know most people think they can't meditate in a loud place (which is usually the case during the holidays), but from my own experience, you definitely can! In fact, there are many people who dedicate their meditation practices toward finding peace in chaotic environments. If you're interested in trying this out, but you're worried you won't be able to get to a zen state, take a pair of ear plugs or headphones with you. If preferred, press play on your favorite guided meditation. If you need help finding one, check out the Insight Timer app. It's one of my favorites!
I love meditating as a self-care practice because it is something you can do no matter where you are. For a little more inspiration, I have tons of blog posts you can read.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Carry Crystals
My third favorite self care tip is a really easy one if you're pressed for time..... carry around crystals. Yes, I mean rocks, geodes, whatever you want to call them! If you're EXHAUSTED, this tip is especially for you. Let the crystals work for you when you're zapped and don't have the energy to do anything else.
I know it sounds silly, but I swear by the crystals I wear daily. In fact, I notice that there is a direct correlation to how happy I am throughout the day and whether or not I am carrying around my bag of rocks. Of course, the crystals could serve as a placebo effect or subconscious reminder to find peace and relax. OR, the crystals could be helping me shift my energy in a positive way. I choose to believe the latter, but feel free to believe whatever works best for you. <3
As of today, I currently wear amethyst, howlite, onyx, and selenite.
The best thing about crystals is that you can throw a few in your pockets, your bra, on your wrist, in your purse, or where ever it makes sense for you. Half the fun is finding out where to plant them! And, it's a pretty inexpensive and a quick way to boost your energy throughout the day; especially when you don't have energy for anything else.
If you're interested in natural gemstone jewelry that works for you, check out the Otter Spirit website. You can shop by intention, stone, or even zodiac! And, they donate $1 to sea otters in California for each bracelet purchased. Win, win situation in my opinion. Use code ModernManifestation20 for 20% off your order! (I receive a commission from orders made using my code).
So, to help you manage your stress before, during, or afer this holiday season, consider taking Epsom salt baths, committing to a meditation practice, and wearing your crystals. Trust me, you will feel so much more rejuvenated by the end of the holiday season if you try these practices.
Take care and happy holidays! I will catch you in the next post. <3
Podcast
Check out today's discussion in my podcast:
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