It is amazing how our opinions are shifting as the days, months and years go by. Not in the so distant past the term self-love would have been looked at with distaste as it would have held implications of self-obsession, and selfishness. But, thank goodness those days are gone.
Self-care is now looked at as a more holistic approach to self-healing and prevention of future medical issues brought on by continual exposure to everyday stresses. Life as we know it has only continued to speed up, with more and more people feeling the pressure to stayed plugged into everything that is happening in the world around them.
Gone are the days when we worked a 40 hour work week, with wives being primarily homemakers. More and more women are either choosing to, or being forced to due to financial situations in the household, to go out into the workforce. This adds an extra burden to their plates as they are now learning to juggle being wives, mothers, employees, or CEO's. Even more difficult for those who are single fathers navigating unfamiliar terrain.
So how do we keep a handle on it all. How do we try to maintain some semblance of sanity through all the chaos that is happening in our daily lives. It's Simple...We learn to put ourselves first.
Now I know that this is a very foreign concept, especially for women, but it is absolutely necessary for you to create a happy and harmonious balance in your life so that you are able to better give to those around you. It is like the old adage that you can't pour into anyone else's life, when your cup is empty. You need to ensure that your cup is filled up and overflowing.
So how do you do this? What can you do to create a routine of self-care? Here are some simple things that you can, if you're not already doing them, incorporate into your daily or weekly lives to help take care of yourself.
Get the proper rest: If you are tired and run down, your body is more susceptible to illness and disease. Get your sleep!
Diet & Exercise: Always remember that you are what you eat. So if you are eating crap, you're going to feel like crap. Ensure you are eating a balanced diet and don't hesitate to take vitamin supplements if you need to meet your daily intake needs. Be active as well! Get outside and go for a walk, go to the gym, walk the dog or your spouse, lol. Just get moving, you'll be amazed how much better you feel.
Use your sick days: Even if you aren't sick, take the day. Some times we need to have mental health days where we can just get away from the strains and stresses of work. Don't feel guilty, they give you the days, take them!
Take some quiet time to reflect or meditate each day: Now i'm not saying sit for an hour and meditate. Just spend at least 15 mins each day in reflection. Pick up a journal and write down 5 things you are grateful for each day. Gratitude creates happy hormones (Dopamine) which can decrease depression and help with aches & pains.
Put your phones down: I know, this is the hard one. We spend so much time glued to our phones checking emails, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and whatever other app you have, to bury yourself away from reality. Learn to not pick your phone up for an hour after you wake up (I know shocking right) and put it down one hour before you go to bed.
Spend time with the people you love: By this I don't mean sitting on opposite ends of the couch watching the boob tube, or immersed in your phone. Learn to spend time being present and connected to your family, your home and your life, in real time, not virtual time. Nurturing our relationships can be one of the greatest self-care routines we can partake in.
Fill up with Premium Gas: If you want to live your life at a high level you need to make sure that you are putting high quality information into your brain. Read the books that are going to lift you up and inspire you to live the amazing life you deserve, and if you want to throw a little smutty romance novel into the mix because it makes you happy, Go For It.
Buy the shoes: That's right I said it. Buy the shoes you love and want even if your husband says no. Sorry Kyle, LOL.
These are just a few of the hundreds of things you can integrate into your life to develop a routine of self-care. Spend time taking care of yourself, nurturing yourself, and filling yourself up so that you have enough for yourself, your family, and your work, because life is about balance.
So spend some time loving yourself. You Deserve It!