Unique Ways to Practice Self-Care

Did you know that September is Self-Care Awareness Month? Please forgive me for getting the memo to you late. Like most people, I've got a lot going on — not only am I blessed to have my psychic business, but I also run other ventures like content creation, web design, and marketing (hint hint, if you need someone for that 😊).

Because I wear so many hats, it's vital for me to practice self-care daily. This month, I made it a priority to pour as much time as I could back into myself — which is why you may have noticed me posting a little less on social media and even delaying a newsletter or two.

Most of my day is spent pouring myself into others. I'm not complaining — I love it — but that makes it even more important for me to recharge my own batteries. I try to take at least 30–60 minutes every day just for me. Today, I want to share some of the not-so-obvious self-care routines I follow, aside from the typical exercise, meditation, or journaling.

1. Hit "Do Not Disturb" Without Guilt

One of my favorite self-care discoveries lately is something that's been on my devices all along: the Do Not Disturb button.

For years, I ignored it. I'd use the "Work" mode sometimes, but never the full "Do Not Disturb." Now? It's my best friend. When I turn it on, no one gets through except my kids — and sometimes, I even consider blocking them during that time (especially my daughter, who loves to call right in the middle of my focus sessions 😅).

Protecting your time is powerful. Notifications are constant attention thieves. One ping can pull you out of your flow and derail the work you need to get done — the work that builds your future. With Do Not Disturb on, I can stay in deep focus mode and actually finish what I start.

Some friends might think you're ignoring them, but true friends will understand. You don't owe anyone an explanation for protecting your peace. The people who matter won't question it, and the ones who do? That's their issue, not yours.

So don't feel guilty. Use the settings however you need — maybe allow certain apps, maybe block everything. For me, I block it all: no time-sensitive notifications, no exes popping up, nothing. When I'm on Do Not Disturb, it's just me and my focus. Even as I write this article, that's exactly what's keeping me locked in.

2. Practice Stillness

I didn't realize how important stillness was until recently. When I say stillness, I mean putting your phone down (yes, Do Not Disturb again), lighting a candle or incense if you want, and just sitting for five to ten minutes.

At first, it can feel almost impossible. Your mind races, thoughts flood in — but that's okay. Let them race. The point isn't to force meditation; it's simply to sit, breathe deeply, and either clear your head or let the thoughts flow. The key is creating a calm, safe environment — a porch at sunrise, a quiet bedroom, or even a virtual reality world. Personally, I love slipping into VR, sitting on a mountain top or at a beach, and just… being. Some of my best ideas have come from those moments.

In the beginning, five minutes feels like forever. But over time, it gets easier. I set a timer for ten minutes, put everything on Do Not Disturb, and just chill. No agenda, no pressure. Just me sitting still.

It sounds simple, but you'll be surprised at how powerful this is — and how much peace and creativity can come from simply stopping for a few minutes.

3. Play a Game (Yes, Even If You're "Not a Gamer")

Here's something I never thought I'd say: playing video games has become part of my self-care.

I've always been a wannabe gamer. I'll start a game but rarely finish it, and my attention span for gaming just isn't the greatest. Honestly, I used to think playing games was a waste of time — something only for kids. But lately, I've realized that games can actually be powerful for the mind.

Playing a game can challenge your patience, stimulate your brain, and give you a healthy dose of dopamine. And if you choose the right kind of game, it can also be calming. Personally, I prefer "cozy games" — the ones that don't make me think too hard. I'm already thinking all day long, so when I pick up a game, I want it to relax me. Animal Crossing is a great example. Some of my clients love The Sims, which can also be cozy but creative. Zelda, depending on who you ask, can be cozy too — but with just enough challenge to keep your brain engaged.

The point is: games aren't just for kids. They can be meditative, soothing, and surprisingly good for your mental health. I usually set a timer for 30 minutes to an hour and let myself enjoy it without guilt. Sometimes I'll play on my Switch, curled up in bed — that's my favorite because it feels portable and cozy.

You don't have to sit for hours on end (unless that's your thing). But don't underestimate the self-care power of gaming. Whether it's video games, board games, or puzzles, giving yourself permission to play is a form of rest too.

4. Carve Out Daily "Me Time"

One of the biggest acts of self-care is simply carving out time for yourself every single day — even if it's just 30 minutes. Protect that time like it's an appointment you can't miss.

During this time, do whatever you like. If something on this list doesn't excite you, then choose something that does. Put it on your calendar — whether it's physical, digital, or just mental — and stick to it. Maybe it's reading, journaling, sipping tea on the porch, or going for a walk. The activity itself doesn't matter as much as the intention behind it: this is *your* time.

When you make "me time" intentional, it recharges your mind, body, and soul. Without it, you risk burning out — especially if your whole day is spent working or serving others. We often tell ourselves there aren't enough hours in the day for self-care, yet somehow, we carve out time for everything else. So why not carve out time for yourself?

And just to be clear: this isn't about watching Netflix with the family or catching up on chores. Those things may be fine, but "me time" should be about you. If being around friends or family truly recharges you, then go for it — but make sure it feels nourishing, not draining.

Self-care is about you. Sometimes that means locking the bedroom door and telling the kids, "This is mommy time." Sometimes it means sitting alone in silence. Other times it means indulging in something small that brings you joy. However you do it, make it intentional, guilt-free, and just for you.

5. Connect with a Trusted Friend

Sometimes the best form of self-care is simply talking to someone you trust — someone you can laugh with, vent to, or just be yourself around.

Now, I'm not talking about that friend who only talks about themselves and never really listens. You know the type — when you open up, it's like you're Charlie Brown's teacher, and all they hear is "wah-wah-wah." That's not self-care. I'm talking about the kind of friend who is tuned in, who really hears you, and who knows how to hold space for your truth.

The best friendships are mutual. One day you're there for her, the next day she's there for you. You can swap energy back and forth without feeling drained, judged, or dismissed. That's the kind of connection that nourishes the soul.

I've learned the hard way that not everyone is that kind of friend. Some people leave you feeling empty after a conversation, while others leave you lighter and more grounded. The difference is night and day. That's why I treasure the people who can truly listen — without judgment, just presence.

Having even one trusted friend like this can make a huge difference in your life. Someone who can handle your silly rants, your serious worries, and your deepest secrets — and still be there for you. That kind of connection is therapy in itself, and it's a self-care practice worth protecting.

6. Talk to a Psychic You Trust

And if you don't have that trusted friend you can confide in, another powerful form of self-care is getting a psychic reading. For many of my clients, seeing me weekly or monthly is their version of therapy. It's their treat to themselves — a chance to release what's on their chest and gain clarity without fear of judgment.

A good psychic isn't just someone who predicts the future. We're confidants, listeners, and guides. When clients come to me, they can vent about the same situation week after week and never worry about "getting on my nerves." That's part of the process. Sometimes it takes repeating and revisiting things before the answers click into place, and I love being able to hold that space for them.

I also know the value of this personally. I have psychic friends of my own — I jokingly call them my "psychics' psychics." They're the ones I can lean on when I need fresh eyes on a situation or when I can't see my own blind spots. Having that kind of trusted spiritual support is invaluable.

So if you don't have someone you feel safe confiding in, consider finding a psychic advisor you trust. When clients finish a session and tell me they feel lighter, clearer, and more empowered, I know it's more than just a reading — it's self-care in action. Don't underestimate the healing power of having someone who sees you, hears you, and helps guide you back to your own strength.

7. Do a Dopamine Reset

Another powerful self-care tool is what I call a dopamine reset. All day long we're chasing little hits of pleasure — scrolling social media, snacking, binge-watching Netflix, or even gaming for hours on end. Those constant bursts of stimulation keep our brains fired up, but they also make it harder to focus, feel content, or enjoy the simple things.

I'll be real with you — I got a wake-up call when I checked my screen time one week and saw 40 hours on my phone. Forty hours is a full-time job — time I could've spent writing, creating, or just living life — all gone to scrolling. And yes, most of what I watch is educational, but a lot of it is also gossip, politics, and nonsense that doesn't serve me. That's when I knew I had to be more intentional.

So I tried stepping away. The longest I've ever made it was about 24 to 72 hours before I felt pulled back in, especially since so many of my clients connect with me online. But even those short breaks reminded me how much calmer my mind felt, how much more present I was in my own life.

That's the whole point of a dopamine reset. It's not about cutting dopamine completely (we need it), but about stepping away from the artificial hits that scatter your focus. For some, that might mean 24 hours with no phone. For others, it's a week without sugar, a few days off Netflix, or just unplugging from social media for a weekend. Even a few hours of silence or device-free time can make a huge difference.

Instead of chasing those quick hits, try natural dopamine boosts: sunlight, exercise, creating something new, or just getting out of the house. Honestly, getting out of the house works better than another scroll.

8. Honorable Mention: Create Your Own Sound Bath

I wasn't going to add this one to the list, but I have to give it an honorable mention because it's become one of my favorite self-care tools.

Most people think a sound bath means crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, gongs, or chimes — and yes, those are amazing if you have access to them. But let's be real: not everybody has that equipment at home. That's why I've learned to create my own version of a sound bath, and it works just as well for me.

Right now, my favorite app for this is called Odysound. It's an immersive audio app with 360° spatial soundscapes designed for focus, sleep, and relaxation. Think rainstorms, galaxies, journeys, or even animal sounds — all layered with Dolby Atmos so it feels like you're literally inside the environment. When I need to get in the zone to write, or when I'm trying to wind down at night, I'll put on one of their collections and let it carry me away.

As I'm writing this article, I've got a soundscape on called Exo Planet. It feels theatrical — like you're on another planet, floating through space, with thunder, wind, animal sounds, and eventually rain falling around you. It starts soft, then slowly builds, and before you know it you're completely immersed. That, to me, is a sound bath.

You don't need bowls or gongs to create the same effect. A good pair of headphones and the right app can give you a sound bath for your mind, body, and soul. Whether you're reading, relaxing in bed, or doing deep focus work, try adding a soundscape to your environment. It's more than background noise — it's atmosphere, it's mood, and it's healing.

✨ Protecting Your Peace

So those are my non-traditional ways of practicing self-care — the little things I've been pouring into myself lately that make a big difference. The truth is, self-care doesn't always look like the typical exercise, meditation, or journaling. Sometimes it's Do Not Disturb mode, sitting still for ten minutes, gaming without guilt, or creating your own sound bath with an app.

The most important thing is that your self-care is intentional. When you set aside time for yourself, claim it. Call it what it is: *me time.* Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for it. People might not always understand, and that's fine — the ones who love you will.

Remember, nobody else is going to protect your peace — that's your job. These aren't suggestions; they're necessities. So here's my challenge to you: pick just one of these practices and commit to it for the next week. Set that Do Not Disturb boundary. Claim your 30 minutes of me time. Whatever calls to you — do it without apology. You deserve that kind of intentional care, and more importantly, you deserve to give it to yourself.

Thank you for taking the time to read my words and share this moment with me. And if you ever need more insight on how to protect your peace and stay balanced, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be more than happy to help you find your own method or ritual that works for you.

🌿 September Self-Care Special 🌿In honor of Self-Care Awareness Month, I’m offering a special way to pour back into you. ✨ Take $15 Off any regular-priced reading

📅 Offer ends 09/30/25 — so don’t wait to claim your time for clarity and healing.

🔮 Use Promo Code: SELFCARE25

*Not valid on sale or promotional items. Offer applies to regular-priced readings only. Promo code must be provided at checkout or when booking.

~Master Psychic Rachel 🔮

Don't live life in the dark...

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