Revive You – #1 February 2024

Revive You

February, the month of love.

For this month’s focus I am going with a theme of sharing unconditional love and maybe more importantly self-love, so lets get on.

Showing love.

My first tip for this month is to show some affection to your loved ones. This includes looking at them, making eye contact or looking at an area on their face close to their eyes if eye contact is not for you, including touch and having a proper conversation, face to face with them. Remember messages doesn’t count. In our digital world this may feel a little alien, keep at it as I promise it will become easier and after a few days you may feel an improvement in those relationships.

We know physical touch is important for us as a species and the detrimental effects lack of touch can have on our mental and physical wellbeing.

If you wish, take a look at these two articles

The Power of Touch | Psychology Today

The power of touch: benefits of physical contact | Psychologies

Self Love Exercise

This exercise will look at self-compassion or a form of self-care.

When we talk about self-care most people think of the comforting and soothing tools. This is great but self-care is not all hot baths, soothing music and candlelight.

Sometimes we need to act and do the difficult things. Within life there are constant examples of opposites. Light and dark, male and female, Yin and Yang. In this exercise we are going to look at a difficult situation and assess ways we can deal with it from both points of view.

• Think of a difficult situation. For example, a stressful situation at work or an argument you have had with a friend. Write it down.

• First, we are going to look at the compassionate actions to work through this situation.

• Comforting – what is one thing you can do to take care of your emotional needs?

• Soothing – what is one thing you can do to make yourself feel calmer and more at ease?

• Validating – what is one thing you can do to stop others hurting you or stop the hurting that the situation is inflicting on yourself?

Now, we are going to look at three self-compassionate actions you can take regarding the situation you have written down.

• Protecting – what is one thing you can do to stop others hurting you or to stop the harm the situation is inflicting one you?

• Providing – What is one thing you can do to give yourself what you need?

• Motivating – how can you motivate yourself with kindness, understanding and love instead of criticism?

Put those actions into practice.

Self Compassion Meditation

• Start by settling into a comfortable position.

• Notice your breathing. Take a deep breath in, slowly. Letting your tummy expand as you breath in and relax as you breath out. Notice as the air enters through your nose and out through your month.

• Shift your attention to your body. Can you feel tension in your body. Is it in your shoulders, your tummy, your jaw? Breath into the tension and allow it to reduce. Don’t worry if your mind starts to wonder. Gently bring your attention back to your breath. In and out.

• Repeat the following.

I am loved

I am already enough.

I choose positive thoughts about myself.

I am allowed my own needs and to express them.

I choose to be kind to myself.

I choose to follow the path right for me.

I love who I used to be, who I am and who I am becoming.

When I look back on my past self, I feel warmth and compassion.

Taking time for self-care is good for me.

I allow myself to feel all my emotions and feelings.

I value my own approval.

I love how much I have grown.

I feel loved by myself and others.

I choose if to change or to stay as I am.

I am allowed to set and keep to boundaries that are healthy for me.

My voice and feelings deserve to be heard and shared.

I am worthy of forgiveness, to allow myself to make mistakes and to forgive myself.

I choose to be around people who enable me to feel better.

I have something of value to give to the world by being me.

I am loved.

• When you are ready, open your eyes.

• Notice how you feel and take those feelings of love into the world.

Random acts of Kindness Day

17^th February is International Random Acts of Kindness Day. It is a day created by Random Acts of Kindness Foundation with the intention of encouraging more harmony and kindness among people by offering thoughtful  gestures of kindness, no matter how big or small. How you do this is your choice.

Try these 26 acts of kindness ideas as a starting point.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”  Leo Buscaglia.

Essential Oil of the Month

Not just one essential oil for this month I am suggesting my top 5 essential oils for improving self worth, emotions and moods. These oils generally work by uplifting emotions, reducing negative, anxiety and depression. Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Sandalwood have been used as aphrodisiacs.

Jasmine – is a floral and sensual oil that inspires love. It is used for calming and improving moods and self-confidence.

Ylang Ylang – Another floral scented oil that is commonly used to reduce negative thoughts and anxiety. It is a great oil to promote calmness.

Rose –Floral scented and a commonly thought of oil to represent love. Rose nurtures the heart and promotes love on a deep level. It alleviates depression, calms the nervous system, boosts mood and reduces depression.

Sandalwood – promotes inner unity and sensuality. It is a great oil for to improve emotions

Bergamot – floral and citrus scent. It promotes self love  and self worth and reduces negative emotions and depression.

Hope you enjoyed this months Revive You.

If you have any ideas or topics you would like me to add please let me know.

If you would like to subscribe please click here.

Until next time
Helen x