 We all know that it's important to take care of our physical health. We are bombarded with messages about the importance of exercise, eating right, and losing weight. In fact, they appear to be the most sought-after New Year’s resolutions. But what about our mental, emotional, and spiritual health? Just as our bodies need regular care and attention, so do our minds and spirits. This is where self-renewal kicks in. Self-renewal is the process of not only taking care of our physicality but also taking care of our mental, emotional, and spiritual selves. It includes activities like relaxation, recreation, and education. It's important to make time for self-renewal every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. When we take the time to renew ourselves, we are better able to handle stress, relate to others, pursue our goals, and prevent burnout. Categories of Self-Renewal Activities Many different activities can help us renew ourselves. Some examples include:
The key is to find activities that work for you and that you enjoy. Not all of these activities will appeal to everyone, but surely you can find a few that will resonate with you. And don't feel like you have to do all of them at once! Pick one or two to focus on each day or each week. Better yet take one and build it into your month, then break it down into weekly and daily activities. The important thing is to make time for self-renewal regularly. How Self-Renewal Benefits Us Taking time for self-renewal has numerous benefits. When we make self-care a priority, we are better able to manage stress, relate to others, pursue our goals, and prevent burnout. Here are a few specific ways in which self-renewal benefits us which in turn helps keep our spirits light, and at peace. 1. Keep Your Spirit Healthy And Energized One thing to keep in mind is that self-renewal performed regularly based on changes in your life and changes in your needs and desires is key to maintaining a high level of life spiritual contentment, happiness, and well-being. When our lives become dreary and we lose our excitement for living, our spirits begin to die and this can cause real inner turmoil that can affect you in your everyday life. Let’s talk a little about the difference between your spirits and your spirit. Spirits in the above context are used to describe your moods. It is also used in various other contexts, like “liquor is often expressed as spirits” or “your team has great spirit” meaning your team shows great excitement or members work together in a highly coordinated fashion. Your Spirit has another meaning, your most inner self, your soul so to speak. This is a personal and deeply held conviction that you are more than just moods. You are deep down someone who is created for a purpose. Someone who has a ‘wholeness’ and ‘holiness’ about you and you are destined to become the best version of yourself, both for you and in your relations with others. This deeply held conviction keeps you honest, trustworthy, and ethical. It also moves you to be loving, forgiving, and compassionate. 2. Self-Renewal Helps Us Relax When we relax, our bodies can repair themselves and we give our brains a much-needed break from constant stimulation. The following five relaxation techniques will induce a relaxation response within you. • Deep breathing. In this simple technique take long slow and deep breaths from your belly and not your chest. When you breathe disengage your mind from distracting thoughts and sensations. However, if you have breathing difficulties, such as respiratory ailments or heart failure make sure you check with your medical professional before taking on this technique. • Body scan. This exercise combines deep breathing with progressive muscle relaxation. After a few minutes of deep breathing focus on one part of your body or group of muscles to mentally release any physical tension you may have. One way of completing a body scan is to start at the top of your head, relax it, and then move down to your facial features, then your shoulders, and so on down to your toes. • Guided imagery. This technique involves imaging soothing scenes, places, or experiences to help you relax and focus. It is best to find scenes that have significance to you. Guided imagery takes you away from the hustle and bustle of life and improves positivity.
3. Self-Renewal Improves Our Mental Health Taking time for self-care can help improve our mental health by reducing stress levels and promoting positive thinking. As we reduce our stress levels, we are better able to think more clearly and creatively. Additionally, taking time for activities we enjoy can boost our mood and promote positive thinking overall. Here are six tips to boost your mental health.
4. Self-Renewal Strengthens Our Relationships When we make time for self-care, we are better able to show up for the people in our lives–our family members, friends, co-workers, etc. We have more patience and empathy when we've taken care of ourselves first, which leads to healthier relationships overall. Every relationship is unique and we come together for various reasons. Part of developing a healthy relationship is being clear about where you want the relationship to go. Here are some ways to do just that.
5. Self-Renewal Allows Us To Pursue Our Goals When we make time for self-renewal, we open up space in our lives to pursue the things that matter most to us–our goals, dreams, and aspirations. Making self-renewal a priority helps us live more fulfilling, purposeful lives, which feeds us with a sense of goodness. When we achieve our goals, we tap into becoming fully alive. We are on our journey to fulfilling our life's purpose and the more we can self-renew, the closer we get to reaching that point. Working towards your goals gives you structure and direction in your life, and the satisfaction of achieving them increases self-esteem and confidence. Achieving them motivates you to continue to keep going, giving you momentum, which in turn gives you a greater sense of control and purpose in life. This, in turn, can help you to get more in touch with your values and fully engage with others. Achieving your goals also provides you with personal growth opportunities and as such encourages you to improve your understanding of your identity, your capabilities, and your potential. Final Thoughts Self-renewal is essential for maintaining our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. When we make time for self-care, we are better able, to manage stress, relate to others, and pursue our goals. It is important to recognize that taking care of oneself is not a selfish act, but one that is necessary so that we can give to others. Many different activities can help us renew ourselves–the key is finding the ones that work best for us. So, take some time today for yourself–you deserve it! As always, stay safe, keep well, and continue becoming the best version of yourself. Richard, Richard Fontanie
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