Self-Care: The Magic Weapon

Self-care is an often overlooked and underestimated aspect of our emotional, mental and physical well-being. It is often the first ‘thing’ that goes flying out the window during the busy times and the last thing that is added after we have time to breathe again, usually because something else has now popped up. But did you know self-care is the magic weapon to a happy, healthier life? Self-care is being intentional about nurturing your emotional, mental and physical life. It is about returning to BALANCE. Self-care allows you to take care of your world. And if you are like most, your world is one HUGE overgrown mess of schedules, volunteering, (not so) happy hours, to do lists, cookies for the bake sale, soccer practice, playdates, grocery shopping. The list goes on and on, and you need to be healthy to rock that world. Here's how:

💙 Build an amazing tribe. This is the single most important thing you can do for yourself.

💙 Laugh. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh.

💙 Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. About 8 hours each night.

💙 Connect with people you love. All the people. People from the past, people you met yesterday. All the people: at a coffee shop, on the phone, doing something you love. Just connect every single day.

💙 Indulge at least once every day. Your choice.

💙 Drop the low hanging fruit. What do you have weighing you down? Medical care? Clutter? Returns? Write those things down and address them. Don’t think about them again.

💙 Drink water. Buy a new water bottle that inspires you and DRINK.

💙 Eat healthy. Buy food that inspires you to eat healthy. Listen to fun music and make it a date to cook. Call an old friend while you are prepping . Use it as a time to unwind after a tough day.

💙 Always have a podcast or book going about one of your passions or an area that needs some attention. It makes for great conversation and should reinforce your personal goals.

💙 Exercise. Just write it into your weekly plan. Try to exercise 4-5 times per week. It’s great for more than just your physical well-being!

💙 Stop any negative self talk. Immediately.

💙 Celebrate! Most anything. Is it the anniversary of your high school graduation? Celebrate.

How are you doing? Anything surprise you? Now for a few action items:

1. Make a WEEKLY Plan. Pick a day of the week and write out a personal weekly plan. Most of us do this for work, for the family, for our volunteer roles. Make one for you. Your plan. Be intentional and detailed.

2. Make a ‘STOP’ List: What do you want to stop? Scrolling social media at bedtime? Book Club? Attending after work events? Write it down and then make a plan to stop it before the end of the month.

3. Make a ‘START’ List: What do you want to start? Write it down and make a plan to start before the end of the month.

Track your progress! Keep a journal with your Weekly Plan, Stop List, and Start List. Look back on them to see how you are making progress.

Cheers to YOU,

Pam