Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/812910
C h e c k o u t A B M P 's l a t e s t n e w s a n d b l o g p o s t s . Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. a b m p . c o m . 55 There's boundless potential when we let go of criticizing ourselves for not achieving our goals and rather recommit to what we want without expending additional energy. You will change your life when you choose to practice recommitting without criticism. OUR PERSONAL PRACTICE Since 2008, we've committed to a daily self-care practice. And every day since we decided to commit to a daily practice, we recommit to our wellness. Giving ourselves and each other permission to receive, and the time and space to refuel, is paramount to creating a resilient and thriving massage practice. Nicole's self-care practice ranges from 10 minutes of stretching or meditation at home, to an hour workout at the gym, or a 20-minute bike ride around the neighborhood with our dog, Jake. Heath enjoys a daily practice of yoga, Pilates, or time at the gym. This daily practice has become an essential ingredient of the loving attention we give to ourselves. Caring for ourselves in consistent and reliable ways (even for a few moments every day) nourishes us and fuels our practice and capacity to be more available to others we want to connect and share with. Now in our 40s, we experience more energy and positivity than we have at any point in our lives. For many years now, we organize ourselves in ways that align us with feeling more energized at the end of the day than in the beginning of the day. And we recommit daily to aging with grace and continuing to feel better and better with each year. What are your self-care goals? Knowing your goals will begin to set the stage for what kind of a daily practice you can create for yourself. And remember, self- care will look different for everyone. STICK WITH IT Research indicates that it takes, on average, 66 days to create a new habit. And experts agree that the best exercise is one you enjoy enough to stick with. "Pick an activity that you're suited for and that appeals to you," advises Robert Ruhling, PhD, professor in the Department of Health, Fitness, and Recreation at George Mason University. 1 Five minutes every day can be more effective than 50 minutes every other day in building your self-care momentum and creating a nervous system that sustains more positive energy for longer periods of time. The benefits of moving and creating a new self-care practice extend beyond the physical benefits of greater range of motion, improved flexibility, and less pain. As you create a reliable self-care practice that yields results, you will boost your self-confidence and body image.