Self-care: More Than Just Your Physical Health

Today I’m going to touch on exactly what self-care is and why you should try to make it a daily (if possible) regimen.

Some may think it means taking a shower, brushing your teeth, trimming that unruly beard, or getting a massage.

Well, self-care is as much about your physical health as it is about your mental and emotional health.

I like to call self-care exercises, your “time outs.” It’s just as simple as taking a few minutes to pause and take time to do something you enjoy.

Imagine just taking 5-10 minutes a day to be still, quiet, and focus all of your energy on yourself. What makes you happy? What besides your job, being a parent, etc. are you? What do you miss doing?

Think about what YOU need.

• Maybe you want to try something new.

• Maybe you want to catch up on some inspirational reading.

• Maybe you just need to sit still and enjoy the quiet for a while.

Simple, right?

Life is hectic, we all know that. Sometimes when we’re running around and going through our daily routines, we don’t stop and listen to what WE need.

As a parent, I know I need a break. Having my daughter home with me every day during the summer, while running two business has been stressful. I honestly don’t mind letting her watch her favorite show, play games on the iPad, or set a timer and have her read her books for 15-20 minutes while I do something for me. I need that time to myself to sit and sip my coffee, read, journal, or run on the treadmill while I listen to a podcast. It puts me in a great, rejuvenated mood, I feel inspired, and accomplished!

Maybe you stay-at-home full time with your kids, (you're a saint) how do you provide self-care for yourself? Is it after the kids go to bed or before they wake up in the morning? Make that time! (If you're not getting that time, ask for it!)

Do you work full time? Are you able to go to the gym when you're finished working and give your body the time it needs to gain strength, release energy, and boost your immunity? Do you have a quiet commute that could enable you to listen to something positive while you drive to or from your job? Or, maybe you could take a 1/2 day or even a whole day just for you! Make that time!

There's always somewhere in your day to make time for YOU. If not, you will get burnt out. You'll become stressed, or maybe you already are. Maybe it's affecting your relationships, or how you're treating others, or how you come across at home or your job.

Listen to your body, it's always trying to tell you something and maybe it's telling you to slow down.

Stay tuned to my next few blogs that will give you more ideas for self-care that could change your overall life.

Remember: You have so much to give, and you give so much, it's time to start focusing on your own well-being.

If you have questions, feel free to email me at massagetherapybykate@yahoo.com