Is self-care a foreign concept to you? A fleeting thought as you race through life? Maybe you will get to it when you have time. Has the right time ever come when you prioritize yourself?
Self-care is complex. Anyone can tell you to do it, but only you can bestow the gift of self-care onto yourself.
FIVE SIGNS YOU ARE NEGLECTING YOURSELF:
- It feels selfish to take time for yourself
- The lights are on and nobody’s home (upstairs)
- Your emotions are calling the shots
- Frazzled describes your usual state of being
- You always put others needs ahead of your own
Studies indicate that self care is beneficial to all areas of your life. It also impacts the people around you as you find a calmer, centered, sense of self. Together we can create time in your life to fit in self-care.
Imagine gaining the skill of pausing before making a knee-jerk reaction from your emotions. Looking inward and becoming present in your body when you are triggered. That quick moment can make all the difference!
By prioritizing self-care I am in a better place to roll with the waves of life. Making ‘me time’ creates ‘we time’. A new sense of awareness brings a possibility of closer connections with your nearest and dearest ones. So, I think the familiar saying, “put on your own oxygen mask before helping others” rings true with self-care. Gaining a sense of stability gives the ability to connect with others in a healthy way.
Making a small change in a busy day to prioritize yourself is the starting point on the path of a more centered you. It could be a
-five-minute mindfulness practice (who can’t spare five minutes!)
-a short walk at lunch
-a ten-minute workout
-a cup of tea before bed
It doesn’t have to be a huge change. In fact, if it is a huge change its probably too big of a step.
I neglected self-care for years (five minutes, of course I don’t have five minutes, theres work to do!) Can you tell I’m a wee bit driven? All the harder to tell myself its okay. Being okay with slowing down has ironically put me farther ahead!
