Where are you on the list? Oh, yeah, last, huh? Or, worse, not there at all. Or if/when six blue moons happen in one month, and, then, in that rare occasion, maybe some time will open up for you.
Not good. For anything. Getting well. Staying well. Even continuing to do what you do for your family, friends, occupation. It’s all going to take a hit as your ability to survive fades away.
Self care equals a healthier, more energized you. Self care isn’t a luxury, it’s a must-ury. (Yeah, yeah, I made that word up; so sue me!)
When you take time for yourself, you are doing what you really should do. No kidding. It’s right. It’s as important at your other “wellness” exams. Maybe more so. Without this, everything from stress to fatigue to depression and disease can start slipping in.
Consider self care your insurance package. It’s not an extravagance any more than the other things you do to protect you and your loved ones. If you’re healthy, energetic, vibrant and feeling awesome, can you see how that ripples out to everything else?
So what’s self care? Whatever you do that’s purely for you. That’s natural and safe, that is! Anything from regular massage or other body work to a long, hot bath with no interruptions and a good book.
If this idea is utterly foreign to you, start by becoming curious. Notice what makes you feel happier, more restored, more able to take on daily life. Fit more of that in. Regularly. Key word. Not once in six blue moons!
The most important piece of this is giving yourself permission. Take away the guilt trip. If you want to feel guilty about something, first feel guilty about not taking care of you. You’re robbing the people who love you, and, perhaps, the world, of all your gifts and talents and love when you don’t make room for you.
This is your daily vitamin — bits of time, at a minimum, in which you create spots of renewal. With a supercharged shot of doing more – an hour, a half day, a day, a weekend; heck, an entire week! – over time.
I bet, right now, you have all you need for a mini break right in your home. Take it. This week.
