Embracing Self-Care like a Hobbit

What does self-care look like for you?

Maybe it brings up images for spa days and face masks. Or perhaps it looks like meditation and journaling.

Over the years, I’ve noticed a tendency for society to commodify self-care, encouraging us to spend money to incorporate it into our lives.

However, when I think about self-care I usually think of hobbits. Yes, I am referring to the Halflings from Middle-earth. And here are a few reasons why:

1) Close connections to nature

Hobbits live in harmony with nature, enjoying the simple pleasures of gardening, farming, and the countryside. This close connection to the natural world promotes a sense of well-being and tranquility, which are important aspects of self-care.

I LOVE the idea of a beautiful garden, but there is just one small problem…I have managed to kill every garden (flower and vegetable) that I have ever planted. I do not have a green thumb, which is ironic since my last name has ‘Green’ in it! But I did not let that deter me. In my 20s, I started my indoor plant obsession with my first spider plant. I received it as a cutting from a colleague’s plant. I kept it in water to get the roots to grow and then planted it, praying that it would not die. And it grew, and I was hooked! Now I have many hearty indoor plants that I tend to. They’re my own little connection to nature. But of course, there are so many other ways to connect with nature : go for a walk, visit a park, go to a community farm or garden. And if you are really in a pinch, walk through the garden center at your local department store or home improvement store. That last one is kind of a joke, but also kind of not ;)

2) Focus on comfort and relaxation

Hobbits prioritize comfort and relaxation, whether it's enjoying a good meal or a cozy evening by the fireplace. These small indulgences contribute to their overall sense of happiness and contentment.

When watching Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, I often imagined how lovely it would be to have my own hobbit-hole. Eventually, I realized that I could recreate that same essence in my own home, particularly in my living room. With a comfortable sofa, a large front window welcoming natural light, and my dog on my lap, I’ve truly found comfort and relaxation!

3) Importance of community and relationships

Hobbits value their relationships with family and friends. They often come together for meals, celebrations, and gatherings, fostering a strong sense of community and support. This social connection is vital for emotional well-being, a key component of self-care.

I think many of us truly saw the value of these connections when they were taken away from us during the pandemic. Often, we can take these things for granted —I know I did. But humans are built for connection; we are built for community. So I make a point to spend time with my family and friends. Now, being in private practice and not having colleagues I see on a day-to-day basis, I have had to be even more intentional with these efforts. For instance, I have friends who are also entrepreneurs and we make a point to have afternoons or days where we ‘work’ together. I jokingly call them my colleagues. And I have seen how helpful and impactful this has been on my well-being. Additionally, I attend community events such as networking activities and farmers markets. So if you are feeling isolated, I encourage you to connect with others!

4) Mindfulness and simplicity

Hobbits lead relatively simple lives, free from the complexities and stresses of the outside world. They take pleasure in the little things and practice mindfulness by living in the present moment. This mindful approach to life is conducive to reducing stress and promoting mental health.

Mindfulness has always been a challenge for me. For the longest time, I associated it solely with practices of yoga, which just isn’t my thing. This led me to believe that mindfulness wasn’t meant for someone like me, with my perpetually racing mind. However, I eventually came to realize that I was limiting myself with this narrow perspective. I discovered that mindfulness could be as simple as watching the birds in the front yard or focusing on my dog’s breathing as she falls asleep. This shift in perspective was enlightening; it made me aware of how much of my life I’d been living on autopilot. If you’re struggling too, try focusing on the taste of your food or the comforting touch of your favorite blanket.

5) Embracing leisure and hobbies

Hobbits enjoy leisurely activities such as storytelling, music, and gardening. These hobbies provide them with opportunities for relaxation, creativity, and self-expression, all of which are important aspects of self-care.

This may look different from person to person. During my teenage years, I found joy in creating amusing videos with images and effects. In my 20’s I was all about activities like crocheting and embroidery. Now, as I navigate my 30’s, I love listening to audiobooks! With the hustle of everyday life, it can sometimes be hard to find a hobby that you like and want to stick with. Some hobbies also require investments - I still have a sizeable collection of yarn from my crocheting days. If you are on the lookout for a hobby, I suggest starting with accessible options: delve into books from your local library, take a leisurely stroll in nature, or try out a new recipe.

Overall, hobbits embody many principles of self-care through their lifestyle, values, and attitudes toward life. Their ability to find joy and contentment in the simple things serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing self-care in our own lives. Remember, by caring for yourself, you’re better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.

Embrace the spirit of a hobbit and embark on your own quest for well-being!

Note: I am so inspired by hobbits that I decided to create a free resource handout called: A Hobbit’s Guide to Self-Care. You can find it on my website for free immediate download!