Today is International Self-Care Day, observed on 24th July as a reminder to care for ourselves 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Self-care is something that is very much talked and shared about in the present day. There are reminders that self-care isn't selfish, that we must fill our cups before we can care for others, that rest and boundaries are sacred, and that we must be proactive about taking care of ourselves.

My foundation for all of that is my yoga practice. Through all of my roles as family member and friend, as caregiver, as student and teacher, and so much more, my yoga practice has offered the tools needed for my self-care.

Here I share with you the 7 pillars of self-care, as identified by the International Self-Care Foundation, in relation to yoga:

• Pillar 1: Knowledge & Health Literacy: Our yoga practice empowers us to pay attention to our bodies, building awareness of self, and allowing for more informed decision making.

• Pillar 2: Mental Wellbeing: Yoga provides tools for managing the mind, allowing for ease in the mental space, a greater ability to manage stress, better mental clarity, and improved concentration.

• Pillar 3: Physical Activity: Our yoga practice provides safe and adaptable ways to work with the body, at any age or stage of life. We benefit from: improved flexibility, strength, balance and reduced risk of ailments.

• Pillar 4: Healthy Eating: As we build our self awareness, we are better able to determine what nourishes us, what works with our constitution, and how we can manage our meals for better health.

• Pillar 5: Risk Avoidance: Through practices of self-study, self-reflection and listening to those with greater wisdom we grow our capacity to make decisions from a space of presence and clarity. 

• Pillar 6: Good Hygiene: Yoga encourages us to practice cleanliness as both a discipline and an observance. We work towards cleanliness of all aspects of self and surroundings.

• Pillar 7: Rational Use of Products & Services: As we practice we build awareness, not just of self but, of how we live our lives. We are encouraged to do so in an intentional way, using products and services responsibly and in alignment with self.

How do you build on these pillars? What pillars already serve as a foundation for your self-care?

peace,