Salt as a Form of Self-care
Over the years there has been a movement to advocate for self-care – physical, mental, and emotional. These two little words have open the door for a range of ways that we, as humans, take care of ourselves. Taking the time to focus on personal needs is becoming more common and accepted in today’s world.
Depending on who you talk too the concept of self-care varies. For most, I think it is safe to assume that we associate pampering actions with self-care, such as massages, spa days, or splurging on something that makes us “feel good.” Some think self-care is only for the wealthy or privilege – those who can afford to take time off to “spoil” themselves. Self-care has even been seen as selfish, especially when boundaries prevent others from accessing someone immediately. It tends to be an idea which is performed a few times a month to a few times a year, as special moments.
Regardless of who you talk too, or what one may think about self-care, we all need it in some form or another – that is simply fact. But what may surprise people is actually what self-care is. Self-care is whatever a person needs it to be; self-care can be reading a book, watching a favorite movie, going for a walk alone, or sleeping in– the list goes on and on. Self-care is more than just the luxury pampering that we have begun to associate with the quintessential concept of what self-care is. Self-care can be simplified and preform on a daily or weekly basis – not just on special occasions or when we are on a verge of a breakdown.
How I see self-care is, is ensuring your cup does not become depleted when you pour (aka help) into another person’s cup. By making sure you replenish your cup before it becomes empty – and feel depleted as a human being. Self-care are actions that make sure your physical, mental, and emotional health are balanced by doing it anytime and anywhere - you just have to prioritize them.
Salt is a great tool that can be used to help with self-care on a daily or weekly basis since it is a substance that all humans need to help their body function properly. Here are some ways salt can be incorporated into your self-care routine at home:
1. Cook a healthy meal using infused sea salt or quality natural salts.
Yes, a simple homemade cooked meal can be considered a form of self-care. By cooking at home, you invoke the sense of smell, sight, sound, touch, and taste which can help stimulate the body digestive and nervous system in a positive way - helping to absorb all the nutrients your body needs for a healthy lifestyle. Cooking, especially when it is with a partner, friend, or family member can create lasting memories. Using infused sea salt can add and enhance the flavor of any dish, allow your creativity juices flow, and for those health-conscious folks actually cut down on sodium since the salt is packed with more flavor. Cooking is a great form of self-care.
A favorite comfort meal I love to cook for those long exhausting days are quick and easy soups! The other night I made a chicken meatball soup with pearl couscous. I used “The Cat’s Meow” Rosemary Lemon salt to add a homey feel.
2. Soak your worries away with a bath.
Studies have shown therapeutic benefits with soaking in salt water 2-3 times a week. Soaking in salt water not only can provide a relaxing environment with warm water surrounding you, but can help promote better sleep, relax muscles, reduce inflammation, stimulate the body’s natural cleansing process, hydrate skin, and many more benefits. Using salts with scents can provide aroma therapy when mixed with the warm water. Lavender and rose are both scents that provide a relaxing and calming environment – both of which are found in our Devotional Love Bath Soaking Salt.
3. Go outside for a walk or hike.
Breathing in fresh air can help clean your lungs, boost your mood, increase energy levels, improve digestion, and lower your heart rate. Absorbing sun light can also boost vitamin D levels – aka the sunshine vitamin – which can boost mood. Going for a walk or hike can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases, heart attacks, strokes, lower blood pressure, build strength, lower stress hormones, and just overall feel good! If working out a lot or exposing yourself to hotter temperatures, it is important to stay hydrated. To ensure your body has enough minerals to absorb water, think about adding our NaCl water enhancer to your favorite water. Our NaCl packets can help increase sodium levels and electrolytes in the body – helping your body stay hydrated.
I decided to write this blog as a reminder to myself to make sure I am scheduling in self-care – even if it is as simple as taking a 10-minute walk outside. Over the past month or so I have been reminded that no matter how good you are at doing self-care previously, it can be tossed aside when unexpected bumps in the road take place. Recently, my significant other was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer; days are filled with doctor appointments, chemo treatments, and daily task that have overshadowed my self-care routine. I began to learn that no matter how busy I am, I need to schedule time for some self-care for if I deplete my own cup because I am pouring into his, I will eventually be left with nothing and will be no good to either him or I. It was that awakening that made me realized small simple efforts like a soak in salt water were all forms of self-care – not just the big luxurious gestures we all think of. So, I ask, please make sure you are taking care of yourself – try some of these tips and hopefully they help you just as they are helping me.
Until next time – keep it salty!
-Alyssa aka the Salt Woman