Feeling Uninspired, Unwell, and Under Pressure? It’s Ti...

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Feeling Uninspired, Unwell, and Under Pressure? It’s Time For Some Self-Care!

I’m sure you’ve all heard this every time you fly, “In the unlikely event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the panel above your head. Secure your own mask before helping others.”

This message tells us to take of ourselves first — and that’s precisely what self-care is all about.

★ Why Self-Care Matters
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We often think self-care only matters when we’re ill. But nothing is further from the truth, and it’s so important we take care of our mind, body, and overall wellbeing every day.

Why? Because self-care keeps us happy, healthy, resilient, and most of all, gives us that zest for life that makes every day a joy.

★ We All Know Self-Care is Important But Why is It So Darned Hard To Do?
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Practising daily self-care is difficult because of our ultra-busy lives, constant digital distractions, painfully stressful jobs, demanding family life, to-do lists that never end... and the list goes on.

And, of course, we often feel guilty when we take the time to care for ourselves. Guilt, along with an entire truckload of other unresolved issues, slam us square in the face making self-care even more challenging for us. Some of the more “powerful” unresolved issues that could haunt us are low self-esteem, under-confidence (over-confidence as well), and low resilience.

That’s why it’s hard to give ourselves the joy of self-care.

★ Why Self-Care Matters
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Warning: As you read the six tips, you’ll notice the phrase “as part of your self-care routine” repeated. That’s because self-care is not a one-time thing and must become part of a routine that, over time, makes these tips second nature to you and forms practical and powerful habits.

You’ll also notice the words “slowly” and “very slowly” mentioned repeatedly. Instead of making massive changes, take things slowly, very slowly, and you’ll find it much easier to get into the swing of things.

TIP 1: Make SLEEP part of your self-care routine.

Getting good quality sleep affects both your physical and mental wellbeing and is often overlooked when we think of self-care techniques. Getting a night of good sound sleep is so important it’s my first tip on this list!

TIP 2: EXERCISE regular as part of your self-care routine.

Give yourself a break! You don’t need to visit a gym and go flat out for an hour. Instead, find a simple 15-minute exercise routine that matches your lifestyle and use one of the many useful exercise apps out there today. Slowly build an exercise routine that works for you.

TIP 3: EAT right as part of your self-care routine. 

Again, give yourself a break! You don’t need to drastically cut back on the “bad” foods you’re eating and instead, slowly (very slowly) wean yourself off the things you know you must avoid and slowly (very slowly) start enjoying the type of foods that will invigorate and fuel your body. Lots of excellent apps and online resources, so choose one that matches your needs and lifestyle.

TIP 4: SAY NO to others as part of your self-care routine.

If you’re a people pleaser, it’s virtually impossible to flip a switch in your head and start saying no, even when you feel you must. So start slowly by saying no to someone but giving them a reason why you said no. The key is in the explanation, and it gets easier with practice.

TIP 5: Take a daily self-care break as part of your self-care routine.

Even a 10-minute break works and all you need do is stop whatever you’re doing, go for a very short stroll (even if it’s within the confines of your office) and allow your mind to switch off as you smile at everyone you see. Slowly build a daily routine.

And... watch this video on heart-focused breathing and let it become part of your daily self-care routine.

TIP 6: Join a self-care group or speak to a coach or therapist as part of your self-care routine.

Even a 10-minute break works and all you need do is stop whatever you’re doing, go for a very short stroll (even if it’s within the confines of your office) and allow your mind to switch off as you smile at everyone you see.

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.”
- Katie Reed, writer, speaker, and mental health advocate