Girl, imagine... actually, don't even imagine, because if you're anything like me, this is your reality... Work is ultra busy this week: meetings, reports, calls, quotas. You have a thousand things going on and a thousand things needing to get done. But it's not only that….you have family commitments and your friends want you to come out. Your schedule is packed with meetings, errands and occasions. What does a girl do? Do you overwork? Skip your Pilates class? Cancel on your family or friends? Skip lunch or dinner?
In the midst of life, we continuously put our self-care on the bottom of our lists of things to do. We usually don’t notice until our lack of self-care is taking a toll on our lives and we’re getting sick, falling behind or something happens that forces us to wake up and do something about it.
Regardless of how liberating or selfish “self-care” may sound, it’s crucial for our mental, physical and emotional well-being. Don’t neglect yourself! To keep you encouraged, here are a few reasons why:
Know your worth: Establishing and maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself produces good energy, positive feelings, and boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Remember, YOU are important and so are your needs.
Healthy work-life balance: We are no longer praising the workaholic. Overworking is out and work-life balance is in. The stress and exhaustion from working too much can actually be counterproductive. Emotionally, physically and mentally, you’ll be depleted, depressed, anxiety ridden, and may not have the energy or will to think clearly and take care of business. Stay sharp, motivated and healthy by implementing professional self-care habits like taking intermittent breaks (taking a short walk, or sipping coffee on a bench outside). If you’re asked to work longer or later, and there’s no real reason to, don’t (and don’t feel guilty about it.)
Stress management: There’s healthy stress, then there’s toxic stress. The stress that gives us a nudge to complete a task is perfectly normal. But constant, chronic stress and anxiety can have an adverse effect on your mental, physical, and emotional health, leading to depression, insomnia, or illness. When you implement self-care practices such as eating healthy, meditating, or joining an exercise program, the negative effects of stress will improve significantly. Try it and see how your mood, energy and confidence levels begin to elevate.
Better physical health: Self-care is not just about your mental and emotional health. Help take care of your physical self by eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting adequate sleep, and keeping your hygiene clean and pristine. Glow both inside and out.
Stop existing, and start living: Life is a beautiful gift. There’s no need to waste it when we’re meant to have a meaningful and purposeful existence. We have a billion other daily responsibilities, but you have to understand that taking care of YOU is also your responsibility. Enjoying the little things like listening to rain fall or reading a book are essential for your daily happiness. Taking on a new hobby or learning a new skill or language can make your life more meaningful by giving you a new reason to get up each morning.
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably ready to get started with your self-care. So here are thirteen straightforward self-care practices that anybody can jump into:
Join a health & wellness program
Go for scenic run or bike ride.
Reflect or meditate for ten minutes.
Try to stay in the present moment.
Pick who you invest energy with.
Give a smile to random people passing by.
Eat green every day.
Take a break when you need to.
Avoid emotional eating.
Start a gratitude diary.
Learn how to say 'No' and be okay with it.
Learn something new that you’re interested in.
Hop off social media for a day or two.
Choose something, start today and normalize it. Don’t waste any more time. It won’t be long before you start to see a difference!
Learn more about how to implement these helpful tips and how to stay accountable to finally achieve your goals here.