One of the most challenging journeys we face in this lifetime is helping, nurturing and taking care of those in our life—spouses, children, friends, partners, family and co-workers—without losing ourselves. The challenge lies in staying grounded and connected to who we truly are underneath it all. And remembering we are responsible for our own happiness. There are plenty of negative messages bandied around about how you are “selfish” and a “bad” mother if you do dare to do anything that makes you happy. Well, I and many other women say otherwise.

Self-care is being kind to yourself, nurturing yourself, so that you feel well enough to give back to all those around you, whether it be work, family or friends, so that you can stay healthy and happy. Life has been my teacher in this department.

Remember to make time to honour yourself, your needs, your dreams and your desires.

We often have to learn about self-care the hard way to get the message fully. In my experience, if you want to save yourself from burnout, breakdowns and insanity moments, you must schedule a little nurturing self-care into your daily calendar.

Happiness is what fuels you from the inside. How can you give to others when you can’t even give to yourself? If you try, all that will remain will be an unhappy, unhealthy, unbalanced vessel that holds resentment and a need to live their life through others. You know what I’m talking about.

Yes, we can all sense it when light, joy and vitality have drained from you and only a shell remains. Constant complaining, negativity, exhaustion and resentment builds. You lose your sense of playfulness and adventure, and age beyond your years overnight.

Remember to make time to honour yourself, your needs, your dreams and your desires.

By honouring yourself you will be able to model well to those around you and free others to live their life as they choose. It’s time to step up and take ownership of your own happiness and your health. Make today your first step towards the best you.

 

”It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.”

—MANDY HALE

 

Keep depositing into that self-care bank account every day so you can reap the benefits long term as you journey through life. I guarantee you’ll need it. And your family, workmates and friends will love you for it!

 

Here are 21 ideas for regular self-care.

If you have one minute:

• Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply for one minute.
• Say kind words to yourself. “Thank you. I love you.” So simple, so powerful. Repeat often.
• Stand up, do a big stretch or quick dance move, or sink into a downward facing dog. Your body deserves it.
• Write down three things that make you smile and plan to do them in the next 24 hours.
• Rub your temples.
• Brush your hair. It stimulates a multitude of acupuncture points, which can help calm your mind and encourage blood flow to your brain.

 

If you have five minutes:

• Find a ray of sunshine, stand in it, close your eyes and breathe.
• Dance along to a favourite feel-good song.
• Send a picture to a friend that’ll make you both smile.
• Get excited brainstorming five self-care things you’d love to do this week. Hey, it’s always good to plan ahead.
• Ring or message someone and tell them you love them.
• Use a dry skin brush on your entire body to increase your circulation, remove skin impurities and encourage relaxation.

 

If you have 30 minutes:

• Eat a nourishing lunch outdoors with no electronics . . . Ah, the serenity.
• Sink into a hot bath before bed. Candles, relaxing music and essential oils.
• Sprawl out on cosy cushions or a hammock, get stuck in a book and escape.
• Close your eyes and just BE.
• Walk along the beach or in nature.

 

If you have one hour plus:

• Get a massage.
• Take a yoga class.
• Have a picnic or go for a walk, a swim or a bike ride. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, the breeze on your face or the water caressing your body. It’s great to feel alive.
• Tackle that overwhelming task that’s been hanging over your head for months. Weed the garden, declutter your closet or sell your garage clutter. It’s liberating.

Now you’ve got the idea. Schedule it in or seize the moment when it arises.

Self Care is essential to keeping your spark ignited.

Want to learn the other secrets to getting your spark back?

I’ve written a book – Sizzle, Not Fizzle! – Secrets to Bringing the Spark Back into Your Life – easy read with loads of practical tips to bringing back the spark in tour life.

Great gift. Click here to buy online.