I am an ardent advocate for the importance of practicing “Self Care”! Each time I fly, I listen to the safety announcement as they tell us to put our own mask on first before helping others. It is a powerful metaphor for the need to take care of ourselves before we take care of others. I often have people respond to me when we discuss the benefit of self care, it feels selfish or indulgent.
I would like to dispel that thought with encouraging a mindset reset to the following:
“You can’t give what you don’t have”.
In essence, by taking care of your self first, you have fuel, space and energy to be there for others, both family and in work.
We always experience competition for our time and energy, balance and counter balance demands in our personal and professional lives. It can often feel like we are stuffing 50 pounds in a five pound sack.
That being said, if we start with a positive mindset, give ourselves permission, place value and empower ourselves to believe in the Re’s:
- Refuel
- Restore
- Renew
- Revitalize
We can take steps to develop a plan and fill our tool box.
Consider the following energy accounts:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Relational
I, both personally and professionally, fill my “Self Care Tool Box” with an emphasis on the following categories:
- Mindfulness, meditation, breath, yoga, use of mantras
- Sleep
- Movement and exercise
- Healthy Nutrition
- Moderate Substance Use
- Connection: Build and sustain positive, healthy relationships
- Be one with nature
- Disconnect and take electronic sabbaths
- Embrace the fun factor and play
- Explore purpose and passion
- Be a life long learner
- Keep a gratitude journal
- Practice Kindness
Keep in mind, life is best lived with baby steps, not allowing perfection to defeat us.
Moments matter and help us.
Fill your own tool box with what works for you.
Most importantly, do not have grand expectations, rather, approach it one day at a time, one moment at a time, one baby step of self care at a time…..
