Self-care.

A pretty easy concept, wouldn’t you say? But yet, so many of us choose to forgo this vital activity. Why? Is it a lack of understanding on what it is? Is it not having enough time? Or is it just not a priority?

Well as it turns out, us females are incredibly efficient at putting other people’s needs before our own. Like, we’re really, really good at it. So good in fact, that because we are completely wrapped up in giving, we forget to take any time for ourselves. And when this happens… we tend to get overwhelmed, stressed out and eventually- burnt out.

Self care by definition is: the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.

And in reality, it can refer to literally any action that brings you joy, allows you to connect with yourself, and provides a ‘disconnect’ from real world challenges. For me personally, activities like reading, journaling, meditation, yoga, bubble baths, listening to podcasts, building a puzzle or playing board games with my husband, getting out in nature, going for a massage, travelling, etc., are things that do just that.

Now, I opened up on social media recently that I have been struggling the last few months. Between my three jobs, non-profit fundraiser and other commitments, I have been burnt out and completely overwhelmed. My almost 4 week long trip to Thailand was a huge relief for me as I was able to almost fully disconnect from ‘reality’ and spend some good ole’ quality time with myself… and well, my husband too! 😉

During the time that I was away, I was able to let go of the stress that I was under and surrender to that warm fuzzy feeling called ‘happiness’. I guess it’s been a while since I checked-in with myself, and you could say that I’ve said ‘yes’ to more than one thing lately that I have dreaded doing. So needless to say, there were some moments of clarity this trip where I realized what my priorities are… and I have thus made the decision to let go of the things that are no longer serving me. 

Freaking scary right?.

I mean, when I consider how much time and effort I have put into some of these ‘things’, it’s hard not to be bummed out. Seriously. And I’m guessing if you’ve underwent a similar soul-search lately, you can probably relate… So just like I tell my clients when they experience a similar awakening- it’s okay! The path you were on before was just a different journey down the same road… and you have made the decision to take the next detour. Both roads lead to success and happiness… just each one is designed for different people and their own definitions of a perfect life. Neither is wrong or right, but one is right for you. And only you can decide which one that is. 

So, how exactly do we do that?

Well, as I ‘soul searched’ my way through Thailand, I re-confirmed that I want to help women unapologetically be themselves, put their health and happiness first, and practice abundant self-love, Every. Single. Day. 

And what better way to do that, then with a daily focus on self-care? Because self-care = self-love. And the more we make self-care a priority instead of just an occasional occurrence, the more likely we are to figure out who we are and what we want more than anything in this life. 

If you’ve already figured it out, and your slaying away at the game called life with your biggest passions leading the way… GOOD JOB BABE! You’re killing it and ahead of the game, so keep being you and doing what you do! Just make sure you are still making time each day to appreciate your body, mind and soul.

But, if you’re new to whole self-care thing, or familiar but have a problem with commitments… welcome to the family babe. We got you, we appreciate you, and we are here for you! So let’s talk about the promise you are going to make to yourself from this moment on:

To show your beautiful body some love, respect and appreciation every day, and to love yourself unconditionally always.

Because let’s be honest babe. If you don’t, who can?

It’s up to us to take control of our health and happiness, and create a life that we can’t wait to live each day. Plus, self-care has loads of benefits other than just making you feel good. It also improves your immune system, increases your focus, makes you more productive, decreases your risk of burnout or disease, builds patience and understanding, broadens creativity, helps with self-discovery, stabilizes your mood, and can even balance blood sugars and decrease blood pressure. And the best part? … It actually allows you MORE time for others, not less. #winning 

So, let’s do this! Starting today, I want you to pick something that you love to do, and do it! No expectations, no rules, no judgemental thoughts. Do what makes you happy and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Show gratitude to yourself for taking that time, and notice how you feel afterwards. 

Did your mood change? 

Do you feel balanced? 

Connected? Relaxed? Whole?

Happy? 

If not, keep going until you do. 

Next, try to compile a list of things that light you up inside and choose to do something off that list everyday. Make it a priority. Set an alarm if you must! It doesn’t have to be complicated, as long as it makes you happy. 

It’s time you put yourself first in your own life, and say yes to the happiness you need, want and DESERVE.

Good luck babe. Follow me on Facebook HERE, where I will be keeping you accountable and sharing my own self-care moments. We got this! xo

Love,