Sandy the Squirrel and the Art of Self-Care: Building a Daily Routine for Mind, Body, and Spirit

SEO Description: Discover the importance of self-care routines for the mind, body, and spirit with inspiration from Sandy the squirrel in Tamarindo. Learn how to schedule self-care into your day and raise your vibration to attract abundance and inner peace.

For the past four days in Tamarindo, I’ve noticed something remarkable: the same squirrel, at the same place, at the exact same time. She’s friendly, animated, and seems determined to grab our attention—or maybe just our food! I’ve named her Sandy, and as I’ve watched her, I realized she’s got a daily routine down pat. Sandy comes here every day to socialize and eat. Sound familiar? That’s exactly why I’m here too! At a beachside restaurant, I’m soaking in the same sun and the same social vibes while nourishing my body and spirit.

This simple observation got me thinking: self-care isn’t just for humans. It’s a universal need. Sandy’s routine reminds me of the importance of establishing consistent practices that nurture our mind, body, and spirit. Self-care isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s the key to aligning our energy, clearing negativity, and fostering inner peace. And when we do that, we raise our vibration—attracting abundance and joy into our lives (hello, Costa Rica!).

Here’s a peek into my daily self-care routine and how it helps me maintain balance and positivity.

Morning: Start with Gratitude and Intention

1. Gratitude Practice: The moment I wake up, I name three things I’m grateful for. This morning, it was waking up next to my amazing husband, exploring Costa Rica’s biodiversity, and meeting inspiring new people. Back home in North Carolina, my gratitude might focus on supportive friendships, my wonderful clients, and the comforts of home. Starting with gratitude shifts your mindset to focus on the positives.

2. Guided Meditation: After handling the usual morning necessities, I pop back into bed and put on a guided meditation from YouTube. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute session or a deeper hour-long dive, meditation helps me set an intention for the day and clear mental clutter.

3. Morning Prep: A refreshing shower and a simple routine set the tone for the day ahead. Taking time for these small rituals ensures I feel ready and energized.

Afternoon: Balance Work and Connection

1. Mindful Work Boundaries: As someone who’s self-employed, it’s easy to lose track of time. I’ve had my fair share of marathon workdays, and trust me, burnout isn’t pretty. Now, I set a hard stop for my workday, ensuring I prioritize breaks and downtime.

2. Quality Time: Afternoons often include quality time with my husband, Joseph. Whether we’re strolling along the beach, enjoying happy hour, or binge-watching our favorite shows, this time together nurtures our emotional connection and recharges my spirit.

Evening: Reflect and Recharge

1. Daily Reflection: At the end of the day, I mentally (or sometimes in a journal) review the highs, lows, and lessons of the day. Reflection helps me stay self-aware and aligned with my goals.

2. Gratitude Revisited: Before bed, I revisit my gratitude practice, naming three things I appreciated that day. This habit rewires your brain to focus on the good, even during challenging times.

3. Sleep Meditation: I end my day with meditation music or another guided session to quiet my mind and prepare for restful sleep.

Why Self-Care Matters

Building a consistent self-care routine isn’t just about feeling good in the moment. It’s about creating a foundation for holistic well-being. By nurturing your mind, body, and spirit, you’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges, attract abundance, and live in alignment with your true self.

Sandy the squirrel reminded me of this truth. She shows up every day to nourish herself and connect with others—a simple, effective self-care routine that’s as inspiring as it is adorable. If a squirrel can make self-care a priority, what’s stopping us?

Start small. Add a morning gratitude practice, carve out time for reflection, or schedule a break to reconnect with loved ones. The impact on your energy and outlook will be transformative.

Pura Vida and Happy Self-Caring!