On this plate, you see a delicious and colorful meal. I do too, but I also see a meal that heals and prevents disease.
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"You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first".
I say that quote more than you can imagine on a weekly basis when working with the amazing women that I coach. They are givers at the core. They give to their career, their partner, their children, their family, to strangers through their charitable work, and at the very end of the list (sometimes), they give to themselves. The women I work with hire me because in the midst of all that I stated above, they have put themselves and their health last and they want to re-balance that. During our first couple of calls/sessions, I ask them what they enjoy doing in their spare time that's just for them. Some have a hard time coming up with something because they put other's needs first. Self-care is necessary for everyone. It keeps you sane and keeps you true to who YOU actually are, especially when it seems like your identity melts into what you do for a living and who's mom you are (lol). If you have a hard time coming up with some things that you can do for self-care, the first step is to take some time and write out some activities and actions that make you feel good and alive! Here are 10 of my favs. Some from me and some from clients. 1. Watch shows and/or movies that are funny or comforting. This is my favorite go to. I don't watch TV often, so this really relaxes me. I recently discovered https://agoodmovietowatch.com/mood/ as an AMAZING resource to find movies that fit my desired mood bill. 2. Visit your favorite spot in the city. For me, this revolves around parks. I read a book, go for a walk, or just chill. 3. Go for a walk outside. Not only will just being outside for 10min or so lower your blood pressure and heart rate, we are always inside in a box of some sort, allow yourself to relieve some stress and go outside. The walk part is optional, but I've come up with my best ideas and have solved problems while going for a walk outside. 4. Get a mani/pedi. This one is a fav amongst my clients. Not so much for me. I don't like folks touching my feet. LOL. However, if you're like me, or want to save some cash, buy some quality tools and polish and go for it yourself. Get a footbath for extra credit and enhanced "aaahhhs" 5. Unplug from social media. After finishing this that is, lol. Social media can easily put you in the comparison trap and that can stress you out. Unplug not just from social media, but all media if need be to allow you to unwind. 6. Take a nap. I am a true believer that naps can change your life and give you a mental reset. Don't go to sleep however, just a 20-30 min nap can do the trick! 7. Put on your favorite music, then sing and dance around. This one is my absolute favorite. Sometimes it's happy music, sometimes it's angry/sad music. But just singing, dancing and letting it all out has never failed me! 8. Get out of town. This works, period! Even if it's just a quick 2 day getaway somewhere close, getting in the mental reset and just doing what you want is amazing. Get to a beach for extra credit if that's your kind of thing! 9. Listen to inspirational/motivational YouTube videos. This one is another of my favs. It's a quick and free way to just change your mindset for the better and give you a possible much needed lift. 10. Workout. Of course this is my go to. I don't workout with anyone for this main reason. It's time to myself and my greatest form of self care in the morning. I love lifting heavy weights because it makes me feel mentally strong as well as physically strong, but you can do yoga, a dance class, whatever lights you up and makes you feel good! Well, those are my 10. If I had to come up with an 11th, it would be reading a book with a cup of coffee, or something warm (regardless of weather). Feel free to pull from these or make your own list, but find a way to practice self care at least once a day. When you give to yourself, you can better give your best to everyone else! |