Macro & Micro Self-Care

by Sherry Ellingson

sherryellingson.com

I was at the gym in the locker room and I was talking to other women about what is happening in our world. Specifically about what is happening in Iran, the country my family and I moved away from in 1979 and about the situation with Venezuela.

One of the women replied that she is not listening/reading what is going on the news.

That definitely seems to be the case with so many people I talk to. We have something new and traumatic that seems to be happening consistently. People are trying to take care of themselves by not being bombarded constantly.

And forget about social media and the algorithms that flood your stories and posts.

I completely understand taking care of yourself and mental well being. I also would like to suggest that it's important to know what is going on around us both locally and on a much bigger scale. Everything is connected .

What about the news?? The news that wants to suck us in with dramatic portrayals, as we wonder who is telling the truth?

How do you take care of yourself when there is so much?

My suggestion is Macro and Micro Self-Care.

Micro Self-care looks like:

• Taking it slow and having a daily routine that is supportive and nourishing to you.

• Making your mind, body and spirit a priority. If needed hiring a therapist AND a life coach ( I have done this recently as I navigated some issues in my life while practicing my own tools that I teach others).

• Doing extra such as: acupuncture, cupping, massages, and astrology readings.

• Meditation and prayer are a great way to connect to something bigger than just us.

• Physical movement that feels fun.

• Eating and drinking food that supports your system long term.

• Being mindful of your finances and your strategy.

• Take care of your home: clean

• Surrounding yourself with positive people and a job/business you enjoy.

Macro Self-Care can look like:

• Volunteering.

• Helping your neighbors with small tasks.

• Watching world events from a source that is less dramatic ( I personally like B.B.C and Christiane Amanpour). Doing this on your time that you designate vs. getting sucked in.

• Slowing down when you are driving and letting those who need to get in front of you to do so (yes this can be hard to do but try).

• Donating and buying from those that align with your values (whenever possible).

True happiness is a daily practice. Being in gratitude of your life and self . You are responsible for how you feel and the energy you bring.

Lastly I like to mention that we have to feel our feelings no matter how sad, scary or unpleasant the emotion. Allowing yourself time to process is both a micro and macro self-care. You help the world when you feel good!

Thank you for reading!

Sherry Ellingson Business.Home.Life