I recently listened to the podcast episode Practicing Self-Love and Prioritizing Yourself on the Life with Marianna Podcast, which resonated with me. The guest on the episode is psychologist Dr. Molly Burrets, who explores easy ways we can practice self-love, and one suggestion she made was to write a list, referred to as a “spirit list,” of things that make you happy or lift your spirits, so that whenever you are having an off day, you have a list you can refer to for acts of self-love.
We all have days that may feel off-kilter – a bad day at work, a child is sick, a family member is being difficult, and we can end up feeling defeated, hurt, sad, or straight up over it. Practicing self-love is very intentional and personal. It is about showing up for yourself first in order to show up for others. Sometimes that means accepting that you’re not feeling your best, but finding healthy ways to cope and work through it.
I loved this idea of creating a list of things that make you feel good. It allows you to pause and really think about yourself, how you feel fulfilled, no matter how big or small the act. It is a tool to use and also build on when you come across something that makes you feel good. In the podcast, they share about music being a mood booster, so maybe that means playing your favorite song, singing at the top of your lungs, or dancing your heart out.
Here is my “Spirit List:”
- Reading for a minimum of 30 minutes – I read daily, and I do try to make it a habit to read for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. This is an instant boost for me, even when I am not having an off day. But when I am, I know that I have the freedom to escape into a story and forget any chaos for a moment.
- Creating a clean and tidy space – there is something cathartic about cleaning and tidying your space. It is an act of self-love when you can look around and see everything in place; for me, it helps me feel at peace when there is not so much disorder around.
- Going on a solo lunch date – I am not afraid to go sit at a restaurant by myself. Actually, I quite enjoy taking myself on a solo lunch or coffee date with no rush or agenda.
- Playing tennis – I used to be an avid tennis player, but over time, that stopped. I started playing here and there, and when I do, I feel so rejuvenated.
- Girls’ Night Out – We all need time with our friends. I have a once-a-month standing dinner appointment with some of my closest friends where we can catch up, enjoy good food, and good company. I generally look forward to this once a month get together and oftentimes we have the following months planned.
- Visiting local bookstores – It is my mission as a book lover to support local bookstores. I love the act of buying books anyway, and often think I gain more satisfaction from picking a good book than shopping for clothes or shoes. This is definitely a double win for me.
- Real genuine conversations – I know this might be a hard one to instantly fulfill, but I love a good conversation that makes you think. It might be the Gemini in me, but I crave it. I find that taking the time to talk with my closest friends or my Mom can provide this sense of fulfillment.
- Baking for my family – I love to bake, and better yet, my family loves it when I do. I constantly have “cookie orders.”
- Trying new recipes – I love trying a new recipe, and it is even better when it is super tasty!
- Getting dressed and doing my makeup – This is an instant mood booster. Sometimes all I need to do to show up is to get out of the PJs, put on a cute outfit, and do some makeup. When you look good, you feel good.
I am sure I can keep going with this list, but here are a few. Do any of these resonate with you? What would you put on your list?
Check out the podcast Life with Marianna
