Self-Care in 2023

We all know that making resolutions is the easy part. Keeping them however, is another story. The funny thing about making resolutions is that it doesn’t have to be a monumental change. Simple, easy-to-do steps can go a long way, especially when it comes to taking better care of yourself. And the options available are actually broader than you think. Here are some holistic and complementary self-care options to consider exploring this coming year:

• Ayurveda

This ancient Indian practice is seeing a comeback, thanks to social media accounts that swear by their benefits for beauty, hair, and skincare. Hair oils, particularly the ones with neem, are flying off the shelves! And those accounts are not wrong. These products have been used successfully in India for centuries, based on ancient teachings that rely on a natural and holistic approach to physical and mental health. If taking better care of your outward physical appearance through herbal, plant-based, or mineral-based treatment is a goal of yours this year, explore what Ayurvedic options are available to you.. 

• Meditation

With numerous apps available, such as Headspace, Calm, Healthy Minds Program, etc., the art of meditation has seen growth like no other. And with the current economic and social climate, it’s not hard to see why. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life may seem counterintuitive, especially when you have a million and one things on your mind that need to get done immediately. But the benefits of meditation are countless. Long-term health benefits include a reduction in stress and anxiety, as well as enhanced self-awareness, and all the results seem unanimously positive. Take that first step to a calmer, more self-assured you with meditation.

• Reiki

One of the more popular energy therapies out there, Reiki was created in Japan and is administered by laying hands on or just above a person to redirect energy to allow for healing. Although the science behind Reiki has yet to have conclusive results, advocates for the practice have reported a strong improvement in overall health and a boost in mood. Although this form of therapy can be polarizing, the principles behind the practice are objectively positive.

• Massage 

Massages: you either love them or….you feel slightly uncomfortable about staying still for a prolonged period of time. Either way, there’s no denying that when done right and by the right professionals, a massage can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. But did you know that they could also potentially help your physical and mental health? Specific massage techniques are said to help alleviate high blood pressure, decrease tension headaches, and even lower anxiety levels. Even better, you get to customize the type of massage you’d like and your practitioner can work with you on achieving your long-term goals—or simply help to reduce muscle aches and pain. A win-win!

• Acupuncture

A component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation. The goal is to tap into the body’s 2,000 pressure points to activate the flow of energy responsible for our general health. When we feel unwell, tapping into specific pressure points is said to release the “blocked” energy, allowing it to flow freely once again. This practice isn’t for everyone. But for those who’ve tried it and seen a difference, acupuncture is a way of life. Said to treat ailments ranging from headaches to asthma to chronic pain, acupuncture is definitely worth investigating.

When it comes to self-care, this is just the tip of the iceberg! If learning about holistic, alternative, and complementary medicine sounds like something you could be interested in, why not reach out to CCBC today to see how you can enroll in our Introduction to Holistic and Complementary Health Program (HLTH 126 Holistic Health)? The course is offered every fall and spring, and may be offered during additional sessions.