Josie has two kids, a spouse and a full-time job. She feels like she can barely go to the bathroom alone. By the time she gets done feeding the kids she can barely remember if she ate breakfast herself. Is it selfish of her to make sure she eats breakfast? Won’t her being energized help her focus on getting her kids ready?
Joe is a lawyer. He works long hours, sometimes weekends, and likes to spend time with family. “Eventually things will settle down at work” is his favorite reassurance as he stares back in the mirror.
Sam has elderly parents that require a lot of care and attention. She brings them to doctors’ appointments and checks in often.
I bet you’re one of the above in some form. We all have a lot going on and give a lot. But if we are honest with ourselves, we all have time. You just need to take it. Be more selfish when it comes to your health. Your kids and grandkids will thank you when you’re able to enjoy a day at the zoo with them.
The airlines have it right when it comes to self-care. When the plane hits turbulence, masks deploy. You put your own mask on before helping others. Do it any other way and you won’t be able to help anyone else.
Likewise, putting your health and fitness—your engine—on the back burner will leave you sputtering. At some point you’ll be—quite literally—gasping for air.
When was the last time you took time to evaluate your self-care practices?
What does your exercise routine look like? Did you quit the gym you joined last New Year’s Day? Block a specific time in your schedule, just like a doctor’s appointment. Get back on board. It’s not too late.
Do you have a solid exercise schedule? What does your recovery look like? After all, the gains we see from the gym come when we rest. Schedule a massage, yoga class or some quiet time. Block it off. Make it an appointment.
What does your diet look like? Does it need a little cleaning up? Mix a healthy meal in as much as you can. Start with one and go from there. Need some guidance? We can help.
It’s so easy to brush off self-care, especially during the holiday season. Our houses are full, parties are abundant, stress is high. But now, more than ever, it’s important to embrace self-care. Increasing physical activity, decreasing mental stress and being intentional with healthy eating is vital to supporting mental and physical health, staving off illness and recuperating faster if we fall ill.
Pull out your planner. Make an appointment with yourself.
Be better at life by being better to yourself first.
We’re here to help keep you accountable to yourself, so you can better serve others.
