Treat Yourself To Self -Care
Self-care goes beyond the occasional mani-pedi or massage. While these are great examples of taking time for yourself, in order to reap the substantial benefits of self-care, you must make a consistent commitment and expand your routine of caring for yourself to nourish all levels of your being.
Let’s define what self-care means
Self-care is activity that nurtures and refuels you at a deep level.
Example of Self-Care:
Physical
Quality sleep
Regular doctor checkups
Healthy diet
Regular exercise
Massage
Acupuncture
Baths
Daily outdoor time
Emotional and Mental State
Morning and/or evening routines
Reading
Free writing
Traveling
Budgeting
Hobbies
Spiritual
Nature walks
Meditation
Yoga
Gratitude practice
Creating time to just BE
Relationship to self
Daily journal
Goal setting
Alone time
Positive self-talk
Vision boards
Cooking
Relationship to others
Time with friends
Family visits
Conversations
Dating
Communicating your wants and needs
Getting involved in a cause
Time with children
Vacation time
Work
Boundary setting
Goal setting
Taking time off
Self- advocating
Learning new skills
Supporting and acknowledging yourself and others
In the realm of self-care, the options are limitless. The key is to identify which areas of your life need attention and engage in activities that support you on a regular basis. You may find that what works for you changes over time.
Which areas of your life would you like to focus some special attention?
Choose one area and brainstorm 5 self-care activities that might work for you.
Engaging in regular, high quality self-care is crucial and has a positive ripple effect on your personal and professional success.
Keep in mind your participation in self-care will ebb and flow. The areas of your life that need balance will shift and the ways you want to fill those needs will also change. How self-care looks in your life may change from one period of your life to another. The important thing is that the routine and the consistent effort to care for yourself is always present.
Here are some ways to stay consistent:
Take time each week to check in with yourself and identify which areas need support.
Choose the activities you will engage in on a weekly basis.
Schedule time in your calendar for each item.
Enlist the support of your family and friends for those items that require
extra accountability.
Trust and empower the people you care for to take care of themselves so
that you can take care of yourself.
Make it easier for yourself by making your environment conducive to your
activities.
Be present during self-care rituals.
Start small and build on practices.
The final piece in creating effective self-care rituals is establishing a positive attitude and a determined mind-set. By allowing yourself the time and space to practice self-care, you and those around you will reap the benefits. Your energy and enthusiasm for life will shine and you will begin to attract people and things in your life that you most desire!
Love to you all.
Nicole
