" I try to talk to myself in the same way I talk to a friend."
Cecilia is a busy mom of 3 and a sustainability warrior. In her free time she loves practising yoga, meditation or water colouring and trying out some DIY products. On her Instagram @sustainability.warrior , she shares interesting facts about sustainability and her tips to become a more conscious consumer.
What does self-care mean to you?
To me self-care means small rituals, practices and even a lifestyle that I put in practice in order to connect with my inner needs and feelings, protecting my mind and keeping a healthy body.
Has your perception of self-care changed, particularly with the events of last year?
Totally, I am a mum of 3 small kids and in lockdown. Kids at home and all the obligations this brings have changed my routine completely, giving me less time, little personal space and less energy to take care of myself. My routines are shorter and I focus specially in my mental health, creating spaces or moments where I can decompress and rest my mind.
What are some of the misconceptions around self-care?
People might think that self-care should look the same for everybody while I think that self-care is different for different people and everybody might practice it in very different ways. Other misconceptions in my view are thinking that self-care means time consuming routines or that it involves the use of expensive products.
What are some of your favourite self-caring activities/self-care routine or affirmations?
Since I read the book “tiny habits” I always wake up with a positive affirmation, this is the way I want to start my day. I try to meditate 10 minutes every day, for which I use a mobile app. I exercise between 2-3 times a week and at least during one of these times, I practice yoga as it helps my body and my mind.
I try to talk to myself in the same way I talk to a friend. This was a tip a coach gave me once and this approach has made miracles in me and I try to pass this advice to everyone I know.
Finally, as I do not have much time during the day, after the kids are in bed, I enjoy one night a week exclusively for me at home. Here I do things that bring me joy. Sometimes I do some beauty treatment or paint with water-colors, try some DIY products that I love or just read a book.
How do you make sure you´re regularly prioritising self-care?
I choose self-care routines that are compatible with my personal situation and lifestyle. They are short, prioritized by what I really need, and I practice them in the moments of my day where I know I have more control over my time. I do most of my practices as the first thing in the morning and in the evenings when my kids are in bed.
Why is it so important to keep on going even when you´re feeling better with yourself?
On the one hand, if you feel better with a practice, it can only get even better, so why stop doing it? On the other hand, self-care is something that changes with the time. Our needs and circumstances can change and that means we might need to redefine our routines, affirmations or the things that bring us joy. In that sense self-care is a never ending journey.
Check out Cecilia's Instagram @sustainability.warrior