Dear Readers, today, I want you to take a journey with me around the world to learn about the diverse self-care rituals that we can incorporate into our lives.
Self-care rituals are different for everyone. While one may find decluttering as an act of self-care, someone else may go for a run. The idea is recognizing the need to show up for oneself amidst the schedules.
Self-care needn’t be extravagant and needing some extra allotment in your already overcrowded schedule. It can be as simple as taking a few moments for mindful breathing, walking, and healthy eating. All these are self-care habits that can be consciously included in your everyday life.
Self-care rituals may vary between different cultures, but one thing that remains constant is the need to unwind and relax, to slow down and take breaks.
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SELF-CARE PRACTICES AROUND THE WORLD
1. Swedish practice of Fika
Fika is a cherished Swedish tradition of taking coffee breaks, which is considered an essential part of their daily lives.
Fika transcends the simple act of coffee breaks and emphasizes the need to slow down and savour life’s present moment. This simple self-care ritual is a reminder to pause and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Well, I learned about Fika recently, but I resonate entirely with taking a break for coffee or tea. Whether it is a tea break with yourself or a close friend, it can give you a few moments away from the hustle to pause and breathe.
I come from a land best known for its tea, the Darjeeling Tea. Enjoying tea is the most cherished self-care ritual at home. My parents need a cup of tea to unwind and relax after a long day, and my mother doesn’t start her day without her cup of black tea with Murai (puffed rice).
2. Japanese practice of Shirin Yoku
The Japanese practice of Shirin Yoku, or Forest bathing, is a form of self-care that involves spending time in nature, typically a forest, to reap its therapeutic benefits.
When our daily life is dominated by screens and concrete jungles, a walk amidst nature can give you a much-needed escape with benefits.
Take a slow walk barefoot, breathe mindfully, and be grateful for every step and breath you take. While you walk, observe the sights, sounds, and smells around you and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Whether it is a stroll in the forest or a park, immersing the self in nature is a self-care ritual that can have a grounding and meditative effect.
3. Spanish practice of Siesta
Many of you must be taking Siestas every day. Siesta means an afternoon nap. Although it is a Spanish word, its practice isn’t exclusive to Spain.
Many countries, including Greece, Italy, and India, also adopt the afternoon Siesta practice. When I moved to Kolkata in 2016, I discovered that the shops in and around the neighbourhood were closed in the afternoon for a few hours daily for lunch and an afternoon nap.
While people may judge someone to be lazy for taking a Siesta, but it is indeed a deliberate self-care ritual which is more than just a nap.
A quick power nap can be a balm to an afternoon fatigue especially while working in a hot and humid climate. It definitely recharges you and it’s okay to treat yourself with a Siesta.
4. Yoga from India
Yoga is undoubtedly a self-care ritual that caters to physical and mental well-being. It is an ancient practice originating in India that has transcended time and boundaries to become a global phenomenon.
I used to feel a little intimidated by Yoga as I wasn’t flexible enough, but I learned that Yoga is not solely about the asanas but a holistic way of life.
Yoga helped me through the pandemic when the entire country was in lockdown. The simple act of rolling out my mat and engaging with my breath had a calming influence amidst the uncertainty and anxiety.
Including Yoga in your daily routine is a profound act of self-care which nurtures your body, and calms your mind. The internet and global connectivity have indeed revolutionized the accessibility of yoga, making this ancient practice available to every corner of the world.
5. Korean Jjimjilbang
The tradition bathhouse or sauna prevalent in South Korea is a popular social self-care practise.
Every Korean drama viewer must be familiar with the hot sauna scenes which is often featured in dramas and movies. It gives us a glimpse into Korean culture and the way Koreans, irrespective of age indulge in communal bathing.
It’s interesting to know that numerous Koreans visit Jjimjilbang everyday for relaxation and socializing with friends and family. Spending a day in a Jjimjilbang is on my bucket list when I visit South Korea in future.
Investing in a self-care ritual that is social recognizes the special role that relationships play in our overall wellbeing.
6. Danish Hygge
The Danish “Hygge” lifestyle emphasizes the importance of cosiness, comfort and contentment. It is pronounced as “hoo-ga” is focused on fostering positive energy and comfort within our living spaces.
Eliminating things from the spaces to create a cosy environment is the simplest way to understand Hygge.
Hygge teaches us the importance of the simple and personal things that can provide happiness and well-being. It is a lifestyle that promotes self-care to its core; whether you want to cosy up in a blanket wearing warm pair of socks, drinking hot tea or just spending time in the corner reading a book, it’s about cherishing the little moments.
Can it be a secret to Denmark being the happiest country? Learn more about it in this book.
Conclusion
Whether you Fika or take a Siesta, incorporating daily habits that enhance your wellbeing should always be welcomed.
Exploring self-care rituals worldwide provides us valuable lessons about simplicity, connection and the necessity of self-care in our daily routines.
These age-old practices handed down from generation to generation have unwittingly fostered self-care. It is a reminder that self-care is also intertwined within cultural heritages and helping us uncover the secrets to our wellbeing.
We can find self-care in the simplest habit and the most inexpensive activities.
Numerous local and lesser-known practices exist that nurture the art of self-care. I eagerly anticipate your responses as we explore the self-care traditions rooted in your cultural heritage.
More on Self-care:
- Self-care habits for everyday
- Self-care ideas for the weekend
- How to handle unproductive days
- Signs that you love yourself
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