"But I Can't Relax at Home!"

The most common response I receive when I suggest someone try a Distance Reiki session is “but I can’t relax at home!”. I also get this response a lot when I encourage folks to start any other sort of self-care practice, such as meditation, journaling, art, yoga, etc.

Sigh. This response both saddens me and concerns me. Our home should be our sanctuary. And yes, I know there are always exceptions to that, in certain circumstances. But when I dig a little deeper after folks give me that response, I notice it typically comes down to one of 3 things (or a combination thereof). It’s up to us to work with these things and create solutions, instead of just using them as excuses. Easy? Probably not at first. Worth it? Absolutely! Your wellness is totally worth it! So let’s dive into those things.

Lack of Physical Space

We don’t all have a home that offers us a separate space that we can use as our “zen den”. And if the rest of the family is home a lot, using a common area in the house probably doesn’t work either. But we can ask our other private spaces, such as a bedroom or home office, to do double-duty.

One of the easiest ways to do that is to use some items in that space that are designated only for your self-care time. A few things to try…Having a blanket that is used only during your meditation/energy healing/journaling time. Having a certain candle, incense, or crystals that you display or use in that space during your self-care time. Playing certain music during your energy healing/meditation/journaling/yoga session.

Having items that are specifically designated for use during your self-care time will help create an energy and feeling of sanctuary within the space that is normally used for other purposes. Your mind and body will come to associate those things with the time that is specifically designated for taking care of you. I offer a Reiki & Meditation support bundle that can help you get started!

Lack of Boundaries

This can be a tough one, as it seems there is always something (or someone) that needs our attention.

Setting up some boundaries around being undisturbed during your self-care session time is an important conversation to have, both with yourself and with your family members. The rule in my house is that if my office door is closed, I am not to be disturbed unless there is a true emergency. You could also create a fun sign for your door that lets others know you’re caring for self and will be available shortly or at a certain time.

Boundaries also applies to your schedule. If you need to add a self-care time slot to your day in your planner, do it. If you need to fit it in between helping with math homework and starting dinner, do it.

Lack of Self-Worth

Lack of self-worth can be difficult for people to recognize and acknowledge. But it can be linked to boundaries as well. Oftentimes, we’ve been told throughout our lives that prioritizing our own needs and care is selfish. IT’S NOT. If you’ve ever flown in an airplane, you’ve heard the flight attendant tell you that you should put your oxygen mask on first before helping someone else; the same is true in everyday life. Self-care is your oxygen mask! It helps you nurture yourself so that you can offer the best version of you to those you love. You need to take care of you just as much as you take care of other people. You are worthy of self-care and healing. The healthier the tree, the healthier the fruit.

I hope these suggestions are helpful. If you have tried some other things that have worked for you, I’d love to hear about them!