As February comes to a close, I’m reflecting on the self-care practices I’ve been cultivating and expanding upon since the start of the year. Last month, I focused on foundational habits like meal prepping, walking, and reading (January’s post on The Wellness Wheel dives into that more deeply). This month, I’ve layered in additional elements to build a routine that nurtures my body and mind.
Strengthening Routine: Shopping, Prep, and Movement
One of my most significant shifts this month is refining my shopping and meal prep routine. While I began meal prepping in January, I now have a more structured approach to when I shop and how I prepare my meals for the week. Having a set schedule has made the process more efficient and has reduced decision fatigue—something Charles Duhigg explores in The Power of Habit, emphasizing how routines help us build sustainable behaviors.
Beyond meal planning, my movement self-care has evolved. In addition to walking, I’ve incorporated yoga into my routine. The benefits of yoga for both physical and mental well-being are well documented. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, yoga has been shown to help with stress reduction, flexibility, and even sleep quality. This shift has added a new level of intentionality to my movement, making it more mindful and restorative.
Meditation and Music: Enhancing Mindfulness
Another game-changer this month has been meditation. While I’ve dabbled in meditation before, my new pair of noise-canceling headphones has significantly improved my experience. Having the right tools makes a difference, and research supports the idea that music and soundscapes can enhance meditation by promoting relaxation and focus. A study published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine suggests that pairing meditation with music can deepen relaxation and improve mental clarity. This addition has helped me create a deeper, more immersive practice that feels both effective and enjoyable.
Creativity and Play: Writing, Stationery, and Sealing Wax
Self-care isn’t just about structured wellness practices—it’s also about joy and creativity. This month, I’ve leaned into writing more, which has been a fulfilling way to process thoughts and ideas. I’ve also been playing around with stationery, particularly sealing wax, which has added a tactile and artistic element to my self-expression. Engaging in creative hobbies has been linked to lower stress levels and greater overall life satisfaction. A fascinating study on creativity and well-being, featured in The Journal of Positive Psychology, found that engaging in small creative activities daily can boost overall mood and mental resilience.
Looking Ahead
As I move into March, I plan to continue refining these habits while exploring new ways to bring ease and joy into my routine. If January was about laying a foundation, and February was about deepening and personalizing my self-care, then March will be about sustaining and evolving these practices further.
If you’re also refining your self-care habits, I’d love to hear what’s been working for you! Drop a comment or share your own February self-care wins.
Some other things I loved in February, from reading, to visiting Boston, to some new skincare!
Sources & Further Reading:
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Yoga: What You Need to Know
Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine: The effects of music therapy in meditation
The Journal of Positive Psychology: Everyday creative activity as a path to flourishing
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