Here are six tips for creating a consistent, easy self-care plan.
What have you done for yourself lately? How are you showing up for you? For today’s message on self-care, I’m primarily speaking to the ladies out there—gents, if this information applies to you, by all means use it; I just find that it’s usually us women who try so hard to be everything for everybody. We constantly put ourselves at the bottom of the priority list, and it feels like a lot of us are living out the lyrics to that Enjoli perfume commercial that was popular back in the day: “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan / And never let you forget that you’re the man / Because I’m a woman.”
“Remember, self-care is not selfish—it’s absolutely necessary”
Since the ‘80s, it seems we’ve only added to our own list of expectations. We tell ourselves that we can raise the kids, homeschool them, be the president of the HOA, and plan all the family events without burning out. Sound familiar? If so, here’s a thought: Are you at your best when you’re constantly going, going, going for everyone else and not taking care of yourself? Or, are you better when you eke out some self-care time each day? There are myriad reasons why self-care is so important, but here’s a short list:
• It prevents burnout
• It helps eliminate the negative effects of stress
• It helps you refocus
For some, self-care may seem like a luxury, but it’s really not. We all know that we’re at our best when we fill up our own cups first. It’s just like the safety reminder flight attendants give: When the oxygen masks drop, put your own mask on first, and then help the next person. So, what are some things you can do to show yourself some love? Here are six of my favorites:
1. Set aside some time each day (maybe 15 to 30 minutes) to read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch your favorite TV show.
2. Go for a short walk without your phone. Just enjoy nature and all the sights and sounds that surround you.
3. Get a massage. I had one just prior to the recording of this video, and it was amazing!
4. Enjoy a lazy day. Lounge around in your PJs or sleep as much as you want that day.
5. Spend quality time with a significant other, a family member, or friend. Unplug from all technology, abandon any agenda, and just connect on a human level.
6. Simply spend time alone with your thoughts. What interesting thoughts float back up to the top of your mind when you’re not worrying about anything but the precious present moment? There’s no better way to gain clarity.
Remember, self-care is not selfish—it’s absolutely necessary to nourish your mind, body, and spirit so that you can be reenergized and show up as the best version of yourself. Let’s work together to create a consistent, easy self-care plan, shall we? Join me in our Six Days of Self-Care challenge! It’s free to participate, simply join my Facebook group. We’ll be getting started on Sunday, November 15, when I’ll be going live in the group to explain the challenge. Each day, I’ll be coming back on to offer another tip or concept about self-care.
As always, thank you, and please reach out to me via phone or email with any questions you have. I hope to see you participate in Six Days of Self-Care!
