Self-Care
‘Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what is left of you” ~Katie Reed
What comes to mind when you think of self-care? Does it come across as selfish or do you think of it as a luxury?
If you think it’s a luxury. Let’s chat.
Today, many women feel the pressure of bearing responsibility for the people in their lives so it is understandable to feel undeserving of coveted personal time. However, stress destroys your beauty and often stifles your joy. If you don’t replenish yourself, expect to experience burn out at some point. This is where self-care comes in. Take a moment and visualize this with me.
Imagine you’re holding a cup full of water right now, you carry this cup throughout the day from the moment you wake up. Here are the rules: Every time you give of yourself, pour a portion of the water out. You ready? Think about everything you do in the course of 1 day. Include everything from small tasks like chores or drafting emails to caring for family and volunteering in the community.
When would you run out of water? The cup represents you and the water in it represents the energy you have per day. When the cup is empty think about how you refill the cup so that you can move effectively from day-to-day.
Consider these tips:
1. Take an hour alone for yourself. Some people would say an hour is too much – then take 15 minutes. In the time you allow don’t do anything. Just sit still, even if its in your car. Give your mind a moment to unplug.
2. Plan a spa treatment. Set an appointment to tend to your personal grooming. Hair, pedicure, manicure, massage. (Sometimes we let ourselves go when we focus on supporting others).
3. Exercise. Studies show that as little as 10 minutes is all you need to reduce stress.
4. Pick up an old-school book. Yes! The bookstore still exists. And turning pages can be therapeutic. Studies show that reading reduces blood pressure, strengthens the brain, increases empathy, and prevents cognitive decline.
Recognize that you are an important piece of the puzzle. Self Care is not optional. Fill your cup of water every day so that you can live a fulfilled life and have enough left over to give abundantly to others.
Make yourself a priority in your life because no one else will. Self-care is not selfish. You need it like the air you breathe.
