The importance of self-care became evident and clear to me after several life challenges had taken their toll on me. At the time, I worked in an environment that offered a very good health and wellness insurance package, and I was open to learning as much as I could to help myself be my best from the inside out. What I discovered then is more common practice today, yet, I notice that many still don’t make the time for self-care. By sharing some self-care habits that have been pivotal in my own life; the important role they can play in your own life; and ways you can make them habitual; I hope to inspire you to begin to consistently carve out time for your self-care. When reading what I am sharing below, jot down the habits you need to integrate more with consistency in your life.
What is self-care?
Self-care is the nourishment you give your body, mind, spirit and heart. To do so, you may need to rely on other experts in their fields. Nevertheless, it is you who chooses what, when, who and how that is going to happen.
Why does it matter?
Your body, mind, spirit and heart need maintenance care. Without it, burnout can creep in that can really disturb your productivity, performance and results. Your whole life and career vision can be derailed should burn out creep in. Prevention is key to staying on track and far less costly. This is where consistent self-care comes in.
Ways to nourish your body
Hydration-sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Yet, so many of us struggle to drink the right amount of water for our body weight. Having a water bottle at work to help you track how much water you have drank is one way of making sure you stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. I feel more energized and clear-headed when I am better hydrated.
Healthy food choices-every time I sit to have my meals, I am thankful. For the most part, I make and can afford good food choices. I include organic greens, fruit, lean meats (mostly poultry and fish), protein shakes and snacks, and legumes in my meal plans. I also watch my sugar and carb in-take. So, when I sit to have my meals, I am thankful for this. Unfortunately, a growing number of people struggle to eat healthily due to rising inflation. One thing I have done to make sure I consistently eat well is cut out any unnecessary spending in other areas of my life to compensate for the increased cost of food. I am aware that a growing number of people aren’t even able to do that and are leaning on food banks more and more. I wish we lived in a world where no one compromises their health because they cannot afford to eat well.
Annual physical exams by your medical and/or naturopathic doctors-these are key to tailoring your meal plans and supplementation. Certain common vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as iron or vitamin D deficiencies, can only be diagnosed and safely treated by reviewing your physical exam results with your health care team. Your doctor(s) may also be able to help you prevent certain medical conditions by tailoring your diet or referring you to a nutritionist.
Regular exercise-whatever exercise is right for you; it can be as simple as going for a power walk every day for 20 to 30 minutes.
Regular body work-this could include a massage, acupuncture, reflexology, shiatsu, or other modality. If you are sitting on insurance benefits that cover these modalities, do take advantage of them.
Dental care-dental hygiene is essential to your overall health. At a minimum, semi-annual cleanings and examinations can help prevent more complex dental and other health problems.
Daily skin care routine-our skin is our largest organ that is designed to protect our internal organs. What we expose it to, protect it from, or put on it matters. After many trials with a number of products, I have landed on the online Arbonne skin care products, specifically, DermResults Advanced. Arbonne is a Certified B Corporation, which means it has met strict triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) practices to qualify and carry this symbol on its products. Arbonne also has gone above and beyond the European Union safety guidelines in banning over 2,000 input materials from its skin care and nutritional products. I have chosen to use and sell the Arbonne skin care and nutritional products because they are responsible and clean products that support your skin care from the inside out. The Arbonne business model also meets the legal definition of “direct selling” in accordance with the Government of Canada.
Ways to nourish your mind
Discern what you feed your mind-that means trust your gut and respect how you feel when ingesting what you read, hear and watch. If something doesn’t feel right, ask yourself why? Look into it. You get to decide what is right for you and what isn’t. Often what we feed our mind are distractions from what we really want to pursue and create. For example, watching fewer movies and instead working on a side-gig or learning something new can be more productive and enhance your energy levels.
Keep learning-choose an area of passion, find out more about it, and put it into practice. Better yet, create synergy between what you are learning and what you want to create more of in your life.
Hire a certified coach or psychotherapist-because sometimes we are too close to our own problems and need more objective perspectives and professional guidance. A certified coach can help you clarify your values, essence and life vision, and help you take the steps necessary to move your life forward in the direction you envision to be most fulfilling. A registered psychotherapist can help you heal and get past your mental and emotional blocks. While healing can be an outcome of coaching, it is not its purpose. Some clients do both at the same time.
Read-a good self-help or fiction book. You may want to consider reading my self-coaching guidebook, LITE Up Your Work and Life, to get started.
Do something creative-that will stretch your imagination. Start with your passion and see where it takes you!
Ways to nourish your spirit or life force (energy)
Practice yoga-while there are many forms of yoga, one thing they all have in common is nurturing your growth to wholeness.
Meditate-to silence your mind and give it a rest. The more rested your mind is, the clearer it will be able to think and respond healthily to your life’s challenges. Even five minutes a day of deep breathwork can help relax your mind. A short daily practice of yoga can incorporate the meditative breathwork as well.
Change scenery-explore new neighborhoods, towns and urban spots near you. Try something new. This year I took a couple of day trips to towns near me I had never been to, or hadn’t been to in a long time. I so enjoyed myself that I want to do this annually. What has come out of these day trips for me is a greater appreciation of our local beverage, food and lavender oil producers, décor and gift shops, and the natural beauty we are surrounded by.
Ways to nourish your heart
Cultivate healthy relationships-feeling connected to people who reciprocate genuine care, empathy, and kindness is heart expansive and fulfilling.
Do all of the above-the more you care for yourself, the more you replenish and can de-stress.
Show care and kindness to others-the more you do all of the above the more available you are to show genuine care, empathy and kindness to others.
As I write this article, like you, I am making notes of the habits I need to practice with more consistency. Taking one small step at a time will help you get there. Pick one habit you will schedule in your calendar with more consistency. You can also set an alarm for it on your mobile phone as a reminder. You may need to declutter your schedule and prioritize what matters most to you. You may have to ask for more help from your family and friends to make room for more self-care. You may also have to hire help or delegate some tasks to better look after yourself. The key is to be aware and take action one small step at a time.
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