It goes without saying that “self care is the best care”. I believe many of us women know it but how many of us actually put it into practice. Most of the women I interact with or who are my clients openly admit to not doing so. They say they have too much on their plate and when it comes down to their list of priorities they always end up on the bottom. But why is that? Better question is why do we let that happen?
Trust me I’ve been guilty of this and was for so many years. It’s almost like I felt it was more saintly to deny myself and needs for the betterment of others. Breaks were frivolous and out of the question. And even worst this attitude started to effect my daily required needs such as eating regularly, exercising and getting a sufficient nights sleep. My responsibilities needed me more than I needed these things, right? I was good at creating excuses for the self abuse That type of thinking “seemed” to work until I began feeling the depths of my deprivation. Always exhausted and stressed it was hard to really give my family and friends the “best of me”. And then I heard some words of wisdom that “unless you fill your own cup you will have nothing to pour into others”. That was just the jarring I needed. I went back to my roots of honoring my Sabbath– my usual day of rest on Sundays with church and family. I even began to incorporate more restful activities throughout the week—regularly scheduled daily breaks and special pamper me days for pedis or solo movie trips. And I felt myself beginning to equilibrate. My attitude was better, I was more calm and more at peace. I felt more WHOLE as a Woman and less frantic! It worked! Relaxation and Rest were indeed restorative!
Truth is we women are darn IMPRESSIVE— we can do alot with a little we can make magic happen. Please take a moment and let that sink in! You are darn impressive!!!! I bet you do alot and don’t even give yourself credit for it! Even with all of that truth is—- we’re not meant to run 24/7 without breaks and without self-care. As much as we’d like to believe—we aren’t Superwoman! And even she doesn’t wear her cape 24/7—it has to go for dry-cleaning sometimes LOLLLL. By skipping on self care we disrespect ourselves and we belittle our importance. We run our bodies into the grown and we grossly exhaust our minds. I heard someone say refusing to rest and take care of oneself is the equivalent of a Nascar driver refusing to stop at the pit. The tires alone on that car won’t make it!!!!
So why don’t we take better care of ourselves? That’s a question only you can answer and truth be told no provided excuse will justify the abuse! We are worth the time! We are worth being taken care of. And truth is you can’t DEMAND anyone else to take care of you if you’re first not taking care of yourself!
Besides research shows there are TONS of benefits of rest and relaxation alone.
1. You sleep better
2. You feel better
3. Can better problem solve—-problem solving works best when you’re not in work mode.
4. Have a more positive outlook on life
5. You feel valued and appreciated
…..and the list goes on and on. But don’t just take my word for it do the research for yourself!
I know this is going to be a new concept for many of you. Alot of women are “self care starved” and don’t know the first thing about it. Here are some ideas to get you started! Consider the following:
1. A mani or pedi. Heck go for a full spa day if you’re completely overdue!
2. Catch a movie
3. Window shop or retail therapy–as long as it doesn’t result in stress
4. Grab your favorite snack and take a walk
5. Plan a weekend getaway
6. Hang out with friends and family
7. Bubble bath
8. Visit to your favorite coffee shop with a great book!
9. Go workout—that’s a major mood booster!
10. Eat your favorite meal!
And the list goes on and on! Find out what refreshes you and do it! And make self-care not only an event but make it a daily practice. You should build breaks in throught the day. One method I use is 90min or work followed by a 10-15 min break and of course a lunch break. Breaks are psychologicial helpers. Did you know that you will inadvertently work harder just because you know you have a break on the way?
Make sure your family and friends around you also know about and respect your “me” time! You’re doing it for your benefit and they get to reap the rewards!!!
So It is Friday and the weekend is just beginning! It’s NEVER too late to start taking care of yourself! By all means start today!!!!
*HUGS*
~Victoria
