Combat the "Busy" through Self-Care & Journalling

Mercury is still in retrograde until this Sunday, the 19th, and I've been encountering some communication issues as well as being asked to sign some sketchy contracts at the day job! Any one else feel the effects of our communication planet being a little wonky? (totally a technical term-lol)

I'm always reminded during this time the importance of self-care. As someone who runs a business and works a full time job--while also trying to maintain a social life--I'm a pretty busy person. Mercury Retrograde also reminds me that I need time to step back and reflect. I'm also reminded that I need to schedule that time so I don't overbook myself and feel myself burn out. I'm assuming I'm not alone here? 

So let's talk self-care... 

​I know I preach on and on about the importance, but it is something I truly believe we need to spend more time thinking about. We are busy people in a time that promotes being busy as doing well. However if we are always "busy", when do we have time to check in and see if we are actually enjoying this thing called life? When do we have time to reflect on our choices and even our busy-ness? How do we know if we actually enjoy the "busy" if we do not schedule time to notice?

One of my favorite self-care options is to sit and journal. Bonus points for a cup of tea or fancy coffee. (Interested in my Daily Journal Practice?) Journalling can be a quick scribble to get those thoughts running around your head into some sort of organized fashion or you can spend a bit more time contemplating--perhaps on the "busy". If that's the case maybe one of these journal prompts will get you started:
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• What have I done in the last week that has felt "Right" or made my authentic self light up?
• When was the last time I spent time alone? What did I do and did I enjoy it?
• When was my last "day off" and what did I do to check in with myself?
• Or when is my NEXT "day off" and how WILL I check in with my self?
• How often do I schedule time for myself and what are some things I can do during that time?

Looking for tips on that last one? I truly believe that self-care doesn't have to be a day long event at a spa--however it would nice every now an then!--but can be a simple ritual that only takes a few minutes to reconnect with yourself. Some ideas include:

• Meditation/Pranayama (breath work)
• Yoga - solo or attend a class/workshop
• Pull an oracle card and give yourself a few minutes to think about the meaning. 
• Put on some music and dance (like no one is watching).
• Take a bath (bonus points for bath salts and essential oils)
• Call a friend and chat.
• Journal!
• Put a dab of essential oil under your nose and on your wrists.
• Cook yourself a nice meal. 
• Take a nap.
• Read a book.
• Draw, paint, doodle. Create something.
• Pet your cat/dog/bird/fish/etc. Cuddle time FTW.

These are just some of the many ideas out there. I'm sure every blogger/person has their own list. 
Self-Care doesn't have to be a long drawn out process, but just some time to check in and make sure your cup is full before you try to pour from an empty one. 

Hoping the rest of your Mercury Retrograde is reflective and full of self-love.

- Jenn Rose

P.S. - I am not sponsored by DoTerra, I just like them!