The Hygiene of the Soul: Building a Daily Self-Care Practice

Renee Schwan

In our fast-paced world, self-care is often mistaken for luxury—something indulgent, occasional, or extra. But a true self-care practice is as essential as brushing your teeth or taking a shower. Just as we tend to our physical hygiene, we must also tend to our mental, emotional, and energetic hygiene.

Clearing your energy field and calming the mind are not optional—they’re vital. Our bodies and minds accumulate "stagnant energy," stress, and tension. Releasing this buildup takes focused attention and, most importantly, practice. It starts by slowing down, pausing, and simply tuning in.

Ask yourself: What thoughts are occupying my mind right now? Rather than clinging to them, see if you can gently redirect your awareness to your breath. Feel the sensation of breathing in… and breathing out.

Now, observe your body. Start at the top: your face, your skull, your neck, your shoulders. Is there tension? Are your muscles gripping without you realizing it? Allow your breath to remain steady as you slowly scan down your body. Move your awareness from the crown of your head to your toes. Relax the shoulders. Observe the knees. Feel the soles of your feet.

Let yourself sink deeper into this moment. Feel the support of the ground beneath you, the chair holding you. Let your body feel grounded, held. Tune into areas of restriction or discomfort, and when you find them—don’t rush to fix or change them. Just be with them. Breathe with them. See what shifts when you give your full, nonjudgmental attention to your body.

Over time, as your breath slows and deepens, you may find your body beginning to release layers of tension and stress. Emotions may arise—joy, grief, anger, relief. All are welcome. This is your space to feel what needs to be felt. No judgment. No shame. Just presence.

Start with a minute a day. Then maybe two. Then five. Let it grow organically.

This practice isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. A daily ritual of being, of tuning into your body and breath, can transform not only how you feel but how you live.

You deserve that kind of care.