Working 1:1 with clients I see an overwhelming theme - hardly anyone takes time for self care. Why? And, what does that even mean? And, how do I even start?
We are not raised to take time for ourselves. That's not how our role models (parents, teachers, friends, etc) generally maneuver through the day. We just go and go and go. Do, do, do. If we take time for ourselves that's often perceived as selfish or only saved for people with money and time on their hands. It's not part of our typical daily vocabulary. I'm here to tell you there's never been a better time to take care of yourself. If you are not caring for yourself in the best way possible, what is that saying to those around you? What kind of role modeling are you doing? Face it, even if you don't have children, you are telling yourself and those around you that you just don't give a #@* about yourself! Yikes! Everyone is more important than you? I hope that's not how you really feel. But even if it is, read on....
Taking care of you doesn't need to be a major endeavor. Begin with small steps. Would you attempt to run a marathon without preparation? If so, I'd say you're coconuts! Covering 26.2 miles is challenging, requiring muscle strength and determination. The final miles of a marathon test your willpower and heart. How much do you desire it? How committed are you to giving it your all? You need to start small; otherwise, you won't develop lasting habits and reach that marathon finish line. Do you see where I'm going?
So, what does self-care look like in baby steps? Can it serve your mind, body, soul, spirit? That's the goal!
Pick one thing and try to do it every Monday. or Tuesday? LOL
Talk a walk (start small - maybe a block or two)
Go for a run (start small - maybe a block or two)
Set a timer and take a 12 minute nap
Set a timer and let your mind wander for 5-10 minutes
Try a meditation app (find one short meditation 1-3 minutes)
Eat one meal that's nutrient dense and see how you feel afterwards
Try an online yoga class
Listen to a sound bath
Journal (don't know what to write about? write whatever is in your head at that moment)
Write out a few things you like about yourself and repeat them in the mirror every day
Make a gratitude list (top three things; make sure to change them up each time you do this)
Tell someone you love them. Wait, tell yourself this first!
Do something creative (draw, garden, play an instrument, write, etc)
Find a breathing exercise (box breathing is fun and easy)
There are many classes and programs you can try but start small and take a day or so to process your experience. If you try a bunch of things all at once, you won't be able to decipher what felt best. If something on this list is a "heck, yeah" then try it. If you react with a "meh" then your body is telling you that's not the best for you right now. If everything still feels daunting, call me. We'll find something for you! It's possible. Time to take action, you trebled soul, you! You got this! xoxo
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