Hello 2022, Rise and Shine!
How are YOU? and have you taken time for yourself today from your busy daily life? Or to reflect on what’s happening around you and how to live your life the way you always wanted?
Have you heard of the term “Self-care”?
And do you know WHY self-care matters? And where to start?
Life happens so rapidly for most of us that we lose track of time and feel often drained, overwhelmed, and disorganized. Sound familiar to you? Maintaining a good self-care routine helps prevent burnout, reduces the negative effects of stress, and helps us to focus on what is important in life.
Think of the car you’re driving: even with a big engine and 200 horsepower, if you are empty on gas, it won’t run and will certainly not take you to the place you want to go.
So if you pay consistent and ongoing attention to your physical and emotional needs by sticking to your self-care routines, fueling inside, you will benefit not only physically but mentally as well.
First of all, understanding and embracing the “self-care mindset” is where it all begins.
Putting yourself first, setting boundaries, accepting, and treating yourself with compassion.
‘Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept.’ – Anna Taylor
To live a self-care ‘lifestyle’, you’ll need to prioritize the things that matter to us the most as human beings – good nutrition & well-balanced diet, good sleep cycle, exercise, positive relationships with others, and social activities or work that provide meaningful purpose and stability in life.
It’s easier said than done, right?
Try making a small change in routines and your habits day by day. Sometimes it’s the little things that can be done in under 15 minutes – waking up early, stretching, taking a deep breath and practicing meditation, a short nap, going for a walk, taking a nice warm bath before bedtime, getting inspired by reading a book, or writing a gratitude journal etc.… The list goes on and on! Find what works for YOU and don’t aim for perfection.
When we do these things intentionally and mindfully, we practice self-care.
It’s in the cumulative effect of practicing these things regularly that we see real benefits – calm, happy, caring and feeling fulfilled, and engaged with life.
So no need to feel guilty. Self-care equals self-respect. When you take care of yourself, you feel good about yourself. In that positive mindset, you’ll be better able to care well for others. (#PutYourOxygenmaskOnYourselfFirst)
‘A soft reminder: not everything that weighs you down is yours to carry.’ – Anon
In the end, Trust your instincts and take a big breath. Keep moving forward. You got this.
Eri Nakamura