“Taking good care of you means the people in your life will receive the best of you rather than what is left of you.” ~ Lorraine Cohen.
Self-care is an act of putting your Self and well-being first. Below are eight simple ways to practice self-care and create space for rest, simplicity and playtime.
1. Notice Your Energy
Be conscious of how you feel. Are you tired, stressed, anxious? Listen to your body, honor its needs, and don’t push yourself beyond what feels comfortable.
2. Write Down Tasks
De-clutter your mind and write your to-do list down. This helps to lesson anxiety and create clarity on what needs to be done.
3. Prioritize Tasks
Does it really need to be done now? How much stress are you incurring by believing this? Perhaps it can wait, especially if it is getting in the way of your health and connection with others. List your to-do’s in three categores: What needs to get done now / What can wait / What can be delegated. Be honest with yourself. Maybe you can play now and clean later?!
4. Schedule “Me Time”
We usually schedule work functions or tasks such as meetings and appointments. We need to also schedule our Self-Care Time so that it becomes a priority. Place “Me Time” in your calendar and schedule around it.
5. Clarify Assumptions
She wants a big party with all the bells and whistles. Is that true, or is it just an assumption? Go find out. Ask her what she really wants. You may discover she is ok with keeping it simple.
6. Express Needs & Explore Options
If it’s true that she does want a big party, tell her you are tired and want to keep things simple. Express your true feelings and needs, be vulnerable. Then ask to explore options for a middle ground.
7. Lower Standards
Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s ok if it is not perfect, if it’s not up to speed. Maybe you are the only one with such standards. Maybe everyone else doesn’t need it to be just so.
8. Breathe & Slow Down
Simply pausing for a moment, closing your eyes, taking a few deep breaths, and listening to the sounds around you can be rejuvenating. Stop and take a few deep breaths regularly.
“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you have to.” ~ Lynda Austin
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