Big Shoulders Chicago

We are thrilled to announce that we will be moving to a beautiful new studio location. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Our availability this week!

Our openings this week!

Liz would love to see you!

Thank you.

Thinking of all our dear clients. We hope nothing more than that you are safe and well!

Definitely one of our fav articles on self-care...

Why You Don’t Need More Time for Self-Care True self-care is more a way of life than something you include on your to-do list.

What does self care mean to you? Self care to me means prioritizing my physical and mental health so that I can show up for my friends, family, coworkers and clients as my best possible self. To me self care is a combination of daily actions, big and small, that are vital to my mental and physical well being. Often this looks like waking up early enough to sit in meditation, set intentions for the day, read and move and stretch my body. It also looks like drinking enough water followed by coffee and a good breakfast.

In what three ways do you regularly use self care?
1. Cooking my own meals when I feel like ordering in. Even if I'm initially resistant, it always feel so good to prepare my own, healthy food. 2. Setting aside time every day to be alone so I can reflect and check in with myself. This usually includes getting outside for walks with my dog, journaling, gratitude lists, yoga, and reading books that I find inspiring and educational. I am currently re-reading 'When Things Fall Apart' by Pema Chodron. I recommend it. 3. Acts of service is another way I use self care. This could include, picking up groceries for my elderly friend in Logan Square, making a cup of tea for a family member who had had a long day or wiping down the high touch surfaces in our apartment building's common areas with disinfectant. Balancing all the things I do for myself with acts of love and service keeps me grounded and happy.

Are there self care tools you wished you used more often?
The self care tool I am working on using more often is saying no to things i don't have space and time for. I'm a chronic over-booker and have trouble saying no.

"My favorite analogy for this is clichéd, but accurate. When you get on an airplane and the flight attendant gives that safety spiel, when they get to the part about the oxygen masks, the first thing they tell you is: “If you’re traveling with children or others who need assistance, put your oxygen mask on first.”"

Self-care: 4 ways to nourish body and soul - Harvard Health Blog Here are four ways you can incorporate taking better self-care into your everyday routine. It's good for you and good for the people you care about.

What does self-care mean to you?
Self-care to me is whatever helps a person feel rested, fulfilled, and ready to take on the challenges in front of them.

In what three ways do you regularly use self-care?
My favorite self-care is alone time! I need time to recharge from my busy life, and from working in a profession of constant giving. I take walks with my dog, admiring people’s gardens and yards. Cleaning and cooking help me reset. I love when my place is clean and in order, and I have meals in my fridge ready for the next busy week!

Are there self-care tools you wish you used?
I wish I was better about meditating. When I don’t have the luxury of a full day of hitting the reset button, adding in a few minutes of meditation everyday would help keep me grounded and energized.