Incorporate Self-Care Every Day
Before we get going, let’s talk: How do you define self-care?
Maybe your idea of self-care is going for a walk, doing some yoga or calling a friend, but no matter how you define it, it should make you feel good.
Like anything, doing something every day is what turns an activity into a habit. So let’s get started
You’re worth the investment and that starts by nurturing yourself. Self-care is a recipe: A cup of something that makes you feel like yourself, a dash of purpose, and a pinch of support.
When you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, think about what you would say to a friend. Chances are you’d say something far more compassionate to them than you usually do to yourself. But it’s time to show up for you.
We’re not just talking about creating boundaries with the people in your life (though those are equally important), we’re saying be conscious of the energy around you.
The clutter in your space affects your energy. The demands on your time affect your energy. And the people you surround yourself with affect your energy.
Plus, as much as we love how social media connects us, it can also cause FOMO. So just remember that as humans, we’re not big on showing off our bad days. Hit pause every once in a while and focus on the things that keep you smiling.
Reach out to friends or family on the good and not-so-good days to make sure you’re staying connected. Our support network can be made of all kinds of people and who you let into yours is up to you.
I won’t lie, when I joined my first mastermind coaching program, I appreciated the idea of meeting objective strangers who showed up for me just as much as I showed up for them.
Now, I’m lucky enough to be offering my own coaching program to connect people to ideas and each other.
Rest is not for the wicked, it’s for the smart. We often know when we need a break, but for one reason or another we deny ourselves.
You’re not being selfish by saying you need a break - you’re being aware.
It doesn’t have to be a week’s vacation, it could be as simple as going for a walk and being mindful of your senses - the birds in the tree, the smell of the grass clippings, the feeling of the breeze. Need something even shorter? Shut down the computer, put away your phone and take a 5-minute breathing timeout.
There’s a reason people say you should “trust your gut.” The gut is actually considered to be the body’s second brain, producing those feel-good feelings like dopamine and serotonin.
When we forget to nourish ourselves, our stress-response goes into high gear, y’know, just in case that tiger actually is chasing us.
I know some of you might not be into the traditional idea of meditation, but it comes in all forms. It’s about focusing on the things that are happening right in front of you:
paying attention to the smell of your coffee, taking deep breaths, or journaling. .It’s been shown that people who practice some form of mindfulness daily build resilience.
Ideas for daily self-care
Take a bubble bath
Dance like no one’s watching
Get a massage
Start journaling
Have a nap
Read a book
Workout
Stay overnight in a hotel
Do nothing
Get a good night’s sleep
Go for a walk
Call a friend
Practice gratitude
Volunteer
Play
Get together with friends
Meditate
Want to make this more fun?
Download our self-care bingo card and challenge your friends.