We are so busy with our lives that we tend to forget to prioritize our own self-care – we have taken ourselves for granted, putting the needs of others before our own, all the while trying to maintain what little bit of energy we have left to at least shower.
I don’t know about everyone else, but as I sat in my office today I tried to think of things, even one thing, that I have done for myself. I came up with one – workout. I have been committed to make sure I workout at least three days a week. I promised myself several years go that I would continue to make my workouts a priority for myself, and I have stuck to it. I enjoy my workouts; they are good for my stress and mental health, plus I sleep well after a good, hard, intense workout. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are days where my body tells me “NOT TODAY, GIRL,” so I will let my body rest, but better believe that I am right back at it a few days later. I mean, really, you have to rest your body sometimes otherwise it will make you take a break.
So for the month of May, I have decided that I will practice self-care – whatever it is I want to do one day a week, I am going to do it. Below, is a list for anyone who wants to take the leap and make self-care a priority in their lives.
- Physical Self-Care – MOVE YOUR BODY- EAT NOURISHING FOOD – SLEEP (7-9 HOURS PER NIGHT) – GET A FACIAL/MASSAGE/MANI-PEDI (DO ANYTHING THAT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL/LOOK GOOD)
- Psychological Self-Care – READ A BOOK – LEARN A NEW SKILL – MEDITATE – DETOX FROM ELECTRONICS
- Emotional Self-Care – SAY NO (IF YOU DON’T WANT TO DO IT, THEN DON’T) – SELF-REFLECTION – BE AWARE OF EMOTIONAL BOUNDARIES
- Social Self-Care – HONOR COMMITMENTS TO OTHERS – ASK FOR HELP – MEET NEW PEOPLE – SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
- Professional Self-Care – NEGOTIATE YOUR NEEDS – HAVE CLEAR PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES – ATTEND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Environmental Self-Care – DECLUTTER (HOME OR WORK) – CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF – MAINTAIN A CLEAN AND SAFE LIVING ENVIRONMENT
- Spiritual Self-Care – MEDITATE – JOURNAL REFLECTION – GO ON A RETREAT – TAKE A NATURE WALK
- Financial Self-Care – KNOW WHEN YOUR INCOME IS COMING IN – KNOW WHEN YOUR EXPENSES ARE DUE (PAY ‘EM ON TIME) – BE RESPONSIBLE WITH YOUR YEARLY TAXES (IF YOU OWE, PAY) – SPEND AND SAVE WISELY
So take this month, or any month for that matter, to do the work and take care of yourself. You have one body/mind, so be always be good to yourself and prioritize your needs. Trust and believe your family, friends and work will be alright.