In today’s world, the faster we work, the longer we perform, the more intensely we compete, the more valuable the world sees us. But on the inside you’re drained, empty, and wondering how you’ll ever be able to pull it off again tomorrow. It’s time to practice some self-care. This can be as simple as just taking a relaxing bath with glowing candles and soft music playing in the background.
This practice of taking care of ourselves positively impacts our very being. It makes us healthier, more energetic, and mentally more positive. Taking care of yourself is the most direct route to feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Here are some for you to incorporate into your life.
1. Do things you like to do. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. While your friend might love getting weekly manicures and pedicures, unless this is a relaxing practice for your, you don’t need to be her weekly companion. Learn, instead, how to take care of yourself. Pay attention to the things that make you feel good. What makes you feel happy? Do more of that. There is nothing wrong with you for having a unique way to take care of yourself.
2. Practice mindful self-care on a regular basis. You can’t possible expect to go full out for six months on a huge project that required numerous late nights, early mornings, and the ever more frequent weekend work attendance and then expect to be healthy at the end. Unless you make the time to practice self-care during challenging times, you put yourself at risk for injury and illness. Self-care isn’t needed only when we’re stressed. It needs to be seen as regular maintenance, a little like needing to eat food every day. A little self-care every day is most nourishing.
3. Be flexible and understanding. Scheduling self-care is a good way to be more regular about it, but when you stress about it, then it is counterproductive. Instead of having to take an hour-long bath every day, perhaps using a special scrub in the shower can take its place when you’re pressed for time. Be creative about making self-care choices that work for you.
Self-care needs to fit into your schedule. It could be meditation, yoga, or a regular run. As long as you can fit it into your schedule, don’t stress about the specific activity. As long as it feeds you and leaves you feeling energized or refreshed, it is worth doing. Everyone needs to practice self-care in order to stay healthy and be successful in today’s world.
Photo Credit: Introvert’s plea via Erno Hannink at Flickr