Have you ever walked out of a nail spa or a massage and felt energized, confident (stood up a little straighter), perhaps felt more beautiful from the inside out? What if I say that you should be feeling like that most of the time, not just the occasional splurge.
So ask yourself, have you done something good for yourself today? Not something you think you should be doing, but something that actually makes you feel good on a deeper level.
I know what you’re thinking. I’m busy, I have a career, school, kids, partner, etc… Everyone is busy with responsibilities of life. Sometimes when we are focusing on other people, their problem and needs a bit too much, it’s a good way to avoid our own. Something to consider. Be honest with yourself.
The years of work, life balance are over. We live in a world where our professional and personal lives are blending. One seems to be always impinging on the other. Marrying the two in a heartfelt commitment is the new age we must adjust to in order to live wholesome, fulfilling lives. When the demands of life are tugging you in different directions, the only was to create stability is to know what your priorities are. The only way you can know that is by spending some time in solitude with your thoughts (and if someone happens to be scrubbing/massaging your feet in the mean time, even better) so you can tackle life’s demands with intention and grace.
Self care is the home base to where it all begins, to create a foundation and to connect ourselves to who we are and what we want out of our lives. Having a better idea of what it is that we want, we are able to make our actions and our to do list more purposeful, and probably shorten it a little bit too.
We all start with good intentions then fall off, but I believe that if we shift the way we think about self care, we can stay with until that habit change just becomes as routines as eating and sleeping.
How to shift your mindset and get in the habit of taking care of yourself.
1. Look at all the things that are giving you energy and taking away your energy (Maybe a spring cleanse is in need.) Let go of what and whom no longer serves your greatest good. (Easier said that done, I know, but give it try)
2. Make things that are necessary fun and rewarding. Look at doing the dishes with your partner or children as good way to spend quality time with them. Download a good podcast or a guided meditation on your commute.
3. We maybe willing and ready, but not be able. Meet yourself where you are. You don’t have to make drastic changes immediately.
4. Power of accountability. Ask a friend to get join you in your self-care journey. During the day, text each other things you did that make you happy and feel alive. Best way to change habits is to seek the support and accountability you need.
5. Perfectionism can be a form of negative self care. You may not be able to get everything done in one day, and that’s ok. Be honest with yourself, if you know it’s not physically possible to get that entire to do list done in a short period of time without losing your mind, then split it up. Do not give yourself that negative reinforcement.
Remember, self care flows into self love and it should be a sense of joy. It’s a reflection of the love you have for yourself. When we are at our best authentic self, that is when we perform the best, at work and in life.
“When we expand our thinking and beliefs our love flows freely. When we contract we shut ourselves off. Can you remember the last time when you were in love? Your heart went ahhh!! It was such a wonderful feeling. It is the same with loving yourself except that you will never leave once you have your love for yourself. Its with you for the rest of your life, so you want to make it the best relationship that you can have.” Louise Hay
I would love to hear from you. What self care rituals do you have or want to implement?
Resources: Adapted from a lecture by Marilena Minucci, MS from IIN learning center.