self-help

What is Self-Care?

I planned on writing this blog last week. At that point it was going to be a simple “10 Ways I Self-Care” type blog, but then I woke up this morning needing a little extra care myself. I woke up this morning remembering a dream that seemed to package everything I’ve been focusing away from for a while now. It was a Hey-You-really-need-to-face-things type of dream. So, I woke up facing them and, well, I’m a little low. And that is okay. Because seeing that I don’t feel right is the very first step in self care.

So, what is self-care, anyway? It is remembering that you matter. It is allowing yourself to actually see you and know that you are the most important person on your to-do list. Because if you don’t feel okay, it is extremely difficult to help those around you feel good.

Self-care is allowing yourself to not only know when you don’t feel okay, but it is you allowing yourself to feel that way and then caring for yourself just as you would any other loved one. Allowing yourself time on the couch under a blanket. Taking a mental-health day. Eating that occasional bowl of ice cream.

Picture yourself the last time you lost a relationship or had a very nasty flu. You allowed yourself to self-care during that time. You allowed yourself to feel the feelings or feel the sickness…mainly because those two situations are too painful to fight off, so you just rolled with that punch until you could push yourself back to your daily routine.

That daily routine that you rushed back to is the main reason so many of us are lacking in the self-care area…lacking in the happiness area.

If we are not sobbing or sneezing, we are expected to be at work, clean the house, care for the kids, take care of other family members, make sure everyone around us, except us, is happy. We think we need an excuse to put ourselves first…and we are exhausted.

So how do we self care anyway? Based on this blog post so far, you may think I’m suggesting curling on the couch with a bowl of ice cream at every upset. While you’re catching on…that is not exactly what I mean, as that would not be good for us physically. We self-care according to what we need. So I want you to ask yourself the following questions each day…

First, ask yourself how you are feeling that day. And really listen to yourself. If something is bothering you, take a moment to reflect on why. If life is just too much in that moment, it’s okay to sit with that. It’s okay to feel whatever emotion you have. Hold space for yourself the same way you would for someone else. Process it. Once you process, or if you didn’t have anything to process and started the day good, ask yourself the next question…

What can I do for myself today, whether it be 10 minutes or longer (if time allows), that will bring a smile to my face. Or what can I do for myself that I feel I need. Honestly it is that simple. And to clarify, an ice cream on occasion can be perfect. Just remember that self-care is also caring for our bodies long term, so also try going for walks, drinking teas, sitting in nature, reading a book etc.

This is how that process looked for me today. Note, that I didn’t have to ask myself how I was feeling, because it was one of those days where clearly I knew I needed some extra care. Today is an admin day for me in my business. But because I woke up not feeling so good and having everything come at me last night, I did only what needed to be done. I then asked myself what I needed today. I started under a blanket with a cup of coffee.

As I drank the coffee, I allowed myself to feel what I needed to feel in order to process “life”. By the end of the coffee, I was very inspired to write this post for you. No pun intended, but that cup of coffee helped to refill my cup, and now here I am hopefully helping you to fill yours. Am I back up to my normal spirits at this moment? No. But I am higher than I was this morning. I am also confident that I will be better either today or in a few days, because I will continually ask myself what I need in each moment until I get there. And then I will continue doing small acts of self-care every day after, as I have been doing the past five or so years of being on my self-love journey.

Practice checking in with yourself and allowing yourself to care for you however you need. Remember that it is okay to take care of you first, it truly does help you care for others in a better and more present way.

I have a video linked below infused with Reiki. Use that 35-minute-distance session as some self-care time for you. It is intended to help balance out your emotions and help you to take more steps of self care going forward.

If you find yourself knowing you need to take steps, but not being motivated to do so, I have helped many people like you take those small steps forward into a new and beautiful life. You can schedule with me HERE to get your first step forward if you would like. All coaching is done virtually…so I’m local to you.

Best Vibes Always!

Reiki to Reduce Anxiety

Anxiety is a common reason people come to see me for Reiki and there is a reason for that…it helps! That’s not to say anyone should bypass medical care for anxiety, as Reiki is complimentary. Reiki’s ultimate benefit is stress reduction with a very deep calm; it makes sense that it would help to reduce those feelings with anxiety. It has also helped to calm and quiet the ongoing mind-chatter that sometimes comes with anxiety.

Of course, with all energy work, results are not guaranteed. Reiki works by reducing your stress and then allowing your body to heal in whichever way is best for you. If you suffer from anxiety and medicine alone has not been able to help, give Reiki a try!

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I have created this full 1-hour session of Reiki to help you with anxiety. You can use it during an episode or at any time to try and balance your energy to help prevent an episode. Allow approximately five minutes for the energy of the video to begin bringing calm to your body. If your anxiety is caused from deep emotional scars, click the link above to schedule a one-on-one so I can work deeper and more individually on your energy.

Using Reiki for Empowerment

I will often have Reiki clients that return and let me know how they were able to speak up and say what they needed to say after their Reiki treatment. On a more recent session, a client returned to let me know that she had found the courage to tell everyone in her life things she had been holding back for years! Reiki is such an amazing healing tool.

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I have created a double-layered, full session of Reiki with the intention that whoever watches will receive healing for their highest good as well as to become more empowered. This may make you drowsy, so I personally prefer to watch these as I drift off to sleep for an afternoon nap or before bed at night. Either way, this is for you! Thank you for subscribing to my blog!

Rise Anew, LLC Wyandotte MI 48192

Finding Motivation…Again

Falling out of routine is something we all experience at some point in our lives. It can be tough to get back on track, but definitely not impossible. The truth is, we all have the power to motivate ourselves and regain that momentum…even if this is our tenth or more time getting back to (or trying to even get to) our preferred routine. In this post, I’m going to share the 8 ways that I personally motivate myself after falling out of routine.

Stepping into my ego:

Ego may be a negative word these days, but the fact is that we all have one. Some, larger than others, but regardless, an ego is within each of us. While I do my best not to live in mine on a regular basis, I do pull from it now and again by reminding myself of my accomplishments and how far I’ve come. I am capable of so much more than day-to-day me would like to acknowledge. This is where I allow my ego to step in and get things moving. Call it “Being my own cheerleader”, if you will.

Drinking extra water:

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy levels and focus. In fact, one of the things to noticeably drop when we are even the slightest dehydrated is energy. As we get busy, it’s very easy to forget water. The correct amount of water that we should all drink is approx. 1 ounce per 2 pounds of body weight. I certainly notice a difference the same day I increase my water intake to the appropriate amount.

Eating healthy foods:

A healthy diet is essential for maintaining energy levels and focus. Cutting out sugar and increasing nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean plant based proteins can do wonders for energy. Depending on how far I fall off the “healthy train”, I may simply start by making sure I throw in a full salad as a meal once per day. Salads are a great way to get at least five servings of fresh veggies in in a day. And then I continue to increase from there.

Watching inspiring videos:

Sometimes, all it takes to get motivated is a little bit of inspiration. Based on what I’m trying to kick back up, I’ll start my morning with those specific YouTube videos. If it’s nutrition that I have slipped away from, I’ll watch healthy recipe or food prep videos in the morning to get me in the healthy mood. When I’m falling behind on work, I’ll watch business or marketing tips (Que the blog!!). Either way, whatever I’m lacking, I know that if I find an easy way to bring it into my day, I’ll be more likely to bring it to actuality in my life.

Reminding myself why I need to get going again:

I take a moment to remind myself of the reasons why I started my routine in the first place. Whether it’s to improve my health, grow my business, or achieve a personal goal, remembering why is a powerful motivator.

Marking tasks in my schedule:

One of the best ways to not just stay motivated, but to actually accomplish things is to break my goals down into small, manageable tasks…and mark them down so I don’t forget. The minute my life starts to feel like it’s more than I can handle and I realize I’m falling behind on certain things, I will grab a daily calendar and start filling in my days with what needs to get done, how, and when. This allows me to gain control when life get’s to big. Noting also that if I need a break, I will schedule that in the calendar as well.

Starting over by doing things for 10 minutes and then increasing the length of time as I go:

Sometimes, starting small is the key to success. As stated earlier, I do this with nutrition, starting with a salad meal and increasing from there. I very often do this with exercise, as that is my hardest thing to jump back to. I set a goal of walking or doing yoga or Zumba for just 10 minutes and then gradually increase the length of time. This is a great way to ease myself back into my routine.

Finally, doing self-Reiki:

Reiki is a form of energy healing that helps me relax and refocus. As a practitioner, I have 24-hour access to this amazing energy technique, and trust me, I use it! This is by far my strongest tool in my toolkit of tips to re-motivate. It’s a great way to clear my mind and reduce stress, which can be a major barrier to focus and motivation. I take a few minutes each day and at least a full 20 minutes twice per week to practice self-Reiki. My body & mood are quick to remind me when I lag here. You can also receive the amazing benefits by viewing my Youtube videos like the one below, setting an appointment or even learning Reiki level 1 – Self Heal. Learning Reiki Level 1 is a simple 1-day course (virtual or in person), and it’s very easy to learn.

It is important to remember that falling out of routine is a normal part of life, and it’s never too late to get back on track. These 8 ways have helped me regain my motivation and momentum on many occasions. The key is to stay positive, be patient with yourself, and keep pushing forward. Remember, progress is not always a straight line, it’s ok to have setbacks, it’s how we learn and grow. And always remind yourself that you got this!

Energize with Reiki

A very common benefit I see among my clients is the “oomph” effect of Reiki. The get-up-and-go feeling that many people often feel depleted of because of current life losses, demands or situations.

It’s usually when they walk into the second visit that I hear all about how they were able to get so much more done than they have in a long time. In some instances it is the ability to move off the couch and begin living life again.

After that second appointment many of my clients will literally feel lighter as I begin pulling stagnant energy (accumulated stress and old emotions) from their bodies. And from there, it only gets better for them.

Want to know how Reiki could work for you? Click the link below to schedule a distance or Wyandotte MI in-person session and experience the benefits of a one-on-one, specific-to-you Reiki treatment!

schedule a 1-on-1 appointment

I have also created this one-hour energy video that you can use to boost your energy for certain projects or work that you need to get done. Just know that Reiki is extremely calming. Even though I have upbeat music in the video to help you “go”, you may still fall asleep from that calming effect before waking up energized. Try it out and let me know in this blogpost or in the video comments how it worked for you!

Create Change in 2023

This year is going to be amazing! Just by you being here, I know that you are taking steps towards a better you. Change doesn’t happen with a New Year’s Resolution, “all-in” attituded. Change happens with a “what new step can I take daily” attitude that helps to create new habits.

Book a one-on-one with me

Reiki is an energy healing technique that primarily allows your body and it’s energy to calm. And with calm and less stress, comes a healthier you that makes healthier decisions.

Watch the video below to clear any residual negative energy and receive a full hour of Reiki intended to help you create better habits moving forward. For extra benefit, come back to this video daily until you feel it is fully working for you!

How to Best receive Distance Reiki from Home

Reiki is all about stress reduction and comfort. When you venture out to a Reiki practitioner’s office, you will step into a room that has the ambiance of a relaxing massage. Low lighting, a comfy massage table with extra blankets, essential oils, soft music, salt lamps, and maybe more. Comfort is key to a great session.

In my opinion, there are two parts to Reiki. The after effects that we feel the next day which is usually whatever we needed: more calm, less stress, more focus, more energy, etc. And the receiving, which takes place during treatment and is extremely relaxing. It is this portion that we, as practitioners, like to “pump up” with all the things listed in paragraph one to increase the relaxation factor.

If you are a busy person who truly cannot take time for yourself, kudos to you for getting distance Reiki to help you manage that stress. You may miss out on the “spa-relaxation” effect, but you will still receive Reiki’s effects simply by going throughout your day. The benefits should make themselves known the next morning.

If you are able to set aside the 45-60 minutes to receive your Reiki treatment in the comfortability of your own home, then for all things good…receive it the best way possible!

Here is a list of things you can do to make the most of that at-home treatment. You don’t need to do them all, but what you can do, you owe it to your beautiful self to take a few minutes to set it up. Do what resonates with you and is available to you. You can always add on more of these with future appointments:

13 Ways to Relax even more with At-Home-Reiki

Find a private room in your home where you won’t be disturbed
Clear your area of negative energy with a quick sweep-through of smoking sage (be sure it is completely smudged out before your session)
Light your favorite incense
Diffuse your favorite essential oil
Safely light a candle
- Take your candle a step further if you’d like by selecting the color that resonates with whichever chakra you are focused on healing the most
  - White – Crown (connection to higher self)
  - Purple – Third Eye (connection to your sixth sense)
  - Blue – Throat (ability to speak your truth)
  - Green or Pink – Heart (self-love)
  - Yellow – Solar Plexus (empowerment)
  - Orange – Sacral (creativity)
  - Red or Black – Root (sense of security)
Turn on a salt lamp
Dim the lights
Find some massage or nature music on YouTube or whichever streaming app you listen to.
- Be sure there are no yellow dots at the bottom of the YouTube video or your peaceful moment will be interrupted by an ad.
Sit or lay comfortably
Cover in a blanket, get cozy
Begin with a few deep breaths in and out (this, in itself, is a proven stress reducer)
Set a quick intention (state what benefit you would like to receive from the treatment)
Allow your body and mind to relax and just “be” for the remaining time
NOTE – Always drink plenty of water before and after Reiki to help with toxin release.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL- Reiki is known to put you into a meditative state. You should not drive while receiving Reiki or immediately after Reiki. You should also use caution with where you are receiving Reiki, for example you should not receive Reiki while in a bath, hot tub or any other accumulation of water as there is a chance of falling asleep. If you will be lighting candles or other items, be sure to set a timer so you wake up and turn them off to prevent any hazards.

Reiki is an amazing tool to help you find more calm and focus in your life. Setting yourself up to receive in a relaxed state will allow you to possibly feel the energy as it’s working, fall into a meditative state without even trying, or simply be more relaxed than what you were 60 minutes ago.

If you’d like to know more about Reiki, you can check out our FAQ page.

Sending love.

Be well.

About the author. Sherry Maroon is a life and nutrition coach as well as a Reiki Master. Making it through her own personal and life struggles is what brought her to her passion of helping others along their healing journey. You can learn more about Sherry at http://www.RiseAnew.Coach