5 favorite self care props & gift giving guide
One of my superpowers is carving out me time. I also have been blessed with a lot of energy and this is cyclical with carving out time that puts me first. I find that my students often need someone to give them permission or explain the logic behind allowing themselves to start implementing self care practices. Once they do, this time becomes as necessary as another other appointment.
Rather than “self-care,” my favorite type of me time is actually “someone else care” (when someone else takes care of me…) like when I get a massage or take a class or private lesson – Ha ha.
But, self care is when we connect the dots in our life and reconnect with ourselves. It can be a time to recover and reset. I love skincare and think a good face mask can be the best way to give yourself a treat. Here are some of my favorite easy at home self care props for your overall health.
“I am not flexible enough to do Pilates. I am too uncoordinated to take a class. I have to get in shape first. I think Pilates is too slow. I think Pilates is too fast. There is so much to think about. I am a runner. I do yoga….”
1- BASI Systems Mat
The number one self care to me is movement. Purchasing a mat you can call home and tap into a workout, a meditation, self practice, rehabilitation exercises, or restorative postural exercises. Your mat is a placeholder carving out space for you to designate the place and time for the non negotiable act of movement.
I love the BASI Pilates mat because it is thick and supportive enough for standing work and soft enough for rolling on the spine, in many of the spinal articulation exercises in the BASI Pilates matwork. I also love this mat because if you roll the end it can act as a pillow or neck support. If you roll the mat all the way up you can use it for stretching the thoracic spine and some core balance work the resemble moves we often do on the foam roller.
The BASI Systems Mat: Pilates Mat
2- Mini Ball
If I could only have one prop to take to a deserted island it would be this ball. I started using one as a Pilates prop to put between my feet or knees for some added alignment feedback and resistance. I realized that if you inflate and deflate it to the right size, it can be used as a support pillow when traveling on a plane or car.
Sitting on it opens the angle of your hips and releases the muscles in contact with the ball. Placing it under your pelvis when lying supine allows for some traction of the lumbar spine and sacrum, as well as a great hip flexor stretch happens if you pull one knee to your chest from there. If you put the ball under your thoracic spine you get a really good chest opener.
I could go on and on about my friend the ball. Try doing some of these before bed or as a tech break mid day.
3- Scalp Massager
Last year I got a plastic non electric scalp massager as a free gift on instagram with some shampoo and conditioner, that I was sent to try out. I actually really liked using it when I was shampooing my hair. After it broke about a month ago I went on Amazon to purchase another one for $10 and an electric scalp massager popped up. I saw it was on sale and the reviews were good and the next morning I had this little magic device appear at my house. I thought it would just be a gadget that would go unused and that I would return it. But it is absolutely amazing! It is rechargeable, 2 speed, 2 directions, waterproof, and does not tangle your hair at all. I use it in the shower as a placeholder for time but you can obviously do it anytime. I push it into my scalp and rest my elbow on the wall while I slowly move it back down my head stopping when I feel sore spots. The facia and tissue in our body is fully interconnected so the domino effect of releasing the tension we hold in our head can be so positive all over.
4- Red Light Therapy:
I am a bit obsessed with red light. I started with a cheap little handheld device for my face and now I have a red light wall, pad, and face mask that I use regularly at home.
In general humans spend the majority of our time indoors and aren’t getting the natural light we are meant to get. Making a point to watch the sunrise and sunset isn’t always possible, and I’d rather be in bed for sunrise:)
A few years ago I was riding my bike when I slid on black ice and suffered a liver laceration. Part of my healing was a red light heating pad. After trying some regular heating pads that all felt like they simply were heating my skin, I instantly felt the depth of the heat when using the red light.
I then started reading a lot about the science behind all the various devices for our skin and overall health. I am always looking to reduce inflammation. Some of what I understand about the logic behind red light therapy in general:
The building blocks of life that make up our bodies, trillions of cells creating every structure and function in us. From its center, or mitochondria, food and oxygen are turned into energy. Certain wavelengths of light can help our cells state return to homeostasis by reducing oxidative stress and boosting energy production. Red and near infrared light are easily absorbed by our superficial tissue and our cells to promote healthy skin, anti inflammation, recovery, and stimulation of healthy cellular function resulting in overall systemic improvements.
5- Cervical Pillow
I have yet to meet anyone who has zero neck or shoulder tension or perfect posture. I have used dozens of cervical curve correctors and love a lot of them. When doing these constructive rest postures and using corrective devices, we must do strengthening exercises as well. For the neck, addressing the deep neck flexors, and upper back muscles, particularly the extensors are so important.
Use one of these to go along with your workouts and to hold on the care of your chiropractor, physical therapist, acupuncturist, or massage therapist.
I also love to stack self care by doing a face mask while using one of these corrective devices.
The Honey Mud – May Lindstrom Skin
The Problem Solver: Anti-inflammatory Detox Face Mask | May Lindstrom
Self Care Exercises + Using the Cervical Curve Corrector + Pilates Ball on the Mat
Stacking Self Care Props
Stacking Self Care Props
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