Wow!!!!! How powerful is that statement!  Why is Self-Care so Important?  Let me start by saying I must admit if you don’t understand the above statement, then you won’t ever get it!

With so much going on right now on the plant, it is very, very, easy to get lost, doing things like say um… quarantining. Normally I would say work, social and family obligations are keeping your schedules packed enough and the stress levels attached to everyday life leaves little room for YOU.  But today, I add that not only are everyday family, work and social obligations keeping your schedules busy but so are the fears, losses and uncertainties of Isolation and everyday survival right now, which to be honest, most are finding even harder to find time or add in real time for self-care time.

First off, let me start by saying, when we don’t take the time to properly care for ourselves, it can have a big impact on, not only our health, but, the social mood around us meaning it affects others around us!

  • Self-Care does NOT mean you are being selfish!!! Actually, taking care of yourself is quite the opposite, as it will strengthen you and enable you to support others stronger and with more intention and love.
  • Don’t confuse rescuing with caring! Don’t sacrifice yourself for saving everyone else.  To truly help another means you have and are focusing on self is that you are more helpful and on top of things!
  • We often fall in Love with the idea of being in love but, note we often fall in love with the idea of being in love, however when we give from this place we give too much. Instead of thinking about everyone else and forgetting self, remember how much more love you could give if you started with YOU!
  • Realize your worth. Reality is you are not worth any less than another If you remember your love for self is worthy then you will be able to give more!

Let us begin.

First and foremost, you must learn to love yourself first.  Most people are taught that happiness can only be found through helping others.  Though this is true, it is only partially true because, it cannot be your only source of Happiness. Helping others does not fill the void of not feeling happy from within but…. Feeling happy from within allows you to help others at a higher level of completeness which can and will help save not only your life but that of others!  Its magical thinking, I know but it is actually true! BAM!

Self-care helps us maintain a healthy relationship with our self and others, it helps to boost self-esteem, self-confidence and positive feelings. And who doesn’t need more positive vibes in their life right now?

Self-care is also one of the best ways to handle stress.  Let be real, the amount of stress we are all going through right now is HIGH and as such is not good for anybody to be honest. Stress lowers our immune systems and effects your hormone emotional health which again not only effects your life but those around you!

Practicing Self-Care can make huge changes and help you feel amazing!

But not every day will be easy.

Taking the time to build a strong self-care routine takes work. Please reread that… Taking the time to build a strong self-care routine takes work.  It takes soul searching and deep diving into self-discovery.  You might open old wounds but, better yet, your finding a way to release pain and start healing!!!

Setting healthy boundaries in your life, all areas of your life, so that you can works towards your true happiness from within, starts with YOU!!! When you find true Happiness from within, you then will not only find your happy but those around you are experiencing more happiness which in turn helps them…

Are you getting the hint here… Self-Care SAVES Lives!!!

So how do you practice Self-Care? Well, that is the fun part about me writing this and you reading it! LOL

There is really no one-size fits all approach for Self-Care.  It can and will look different for a lot of people, many different things can be tried and used every day, but there are a few similarities that are proven to work!

Here are a few ideas to help inspire you.  Because Self Care is important for everyone no matter where you are on your journey, whether you are living the perfect life or you are working towards your perfect life, you still need time to take care of yourself, especially during rough times, which seems fitting right now for sure!

Let us remember… Self-Care is an opportunity to rebuild, correction a situation and present yourself with an opportunity to Heal, grow stronger (from the inside out) and to thrive as YOU.   Self -are is an opportunity, to take control of you and to allow yourself to enjoy beautiful this coming out of Self-Care!

So, what does Self-Care look like? Well, I’m going to give you some proven ides but please remember, that Self Care is a marathon not a sprint it is a lifestyle!

  1. Go outside into Nature! Nature promotes calmness and well-being.  Why? Because of low levels of stress in nature.  Research has found that people who walk in nature have lower blood pressure and even lower cortisol levels a marker of reduced stress.
    1. Walk in Nature. This is not only for fitness but for shifting your attention to the beauty of your surroundings.  Walking in nature allows you to get OUT OF YOUR HEAD and focus on color, smell, sights and sounds around you with no other agenda!
    2. Picnic in Nature. We as human tend to forget nature is here right in front of our eyes.   Enjoy being outside, allowing your senses including tastes, and the feeling of fresh air on your skin relax you and take the time to bond with those around you!
    3. Hiking – Hiking in the outdoors allows you to get in some much-needed exercise during this time as well as allows you to drop social media, electronics and judgements (remember NATURE DOES NOT JUDGE) and just be YOU!  Allow yourself to feel the air, the sun’s rays, to breath in fresh air and let out the stale thoughts.  I promise this is way more healing than you can imagine!
  2. Get more sleep. There are many studies that show how important this is!
  3. Take a bath. Put some essential oil in the bath to unwind and let go.
  4. Take deep mindful breaths.Oxygenate your body, reduce the tension, and refresh your energy!
  5. Make yourself some delicious food. Eat an amazing salad. Cook some comfort food. Make something just for you.
  6. Dance to your favorite song. Get in touch with your playful side and enjoy a good workout while you’re at it! Spontaneous DANCE PARTY!
  7. Eat your leafy greens every day.Nourish your body with the vitamins and minerals found in leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, and kale. Make a smoothie or soup your body will thank you.
  8. Have a good laugh.Watch or read something entertaining even if that means a silly video on YouTube or tv.
  9. Show gratitude.Find something to be thankful for in your life. Write it down and look at it A LOT!
  10. Say kind words to yourself.Remember you are amazing and worth it!!!  “You can do this,” “I believe in you.”

 SO, I could go on and on about Self-Care, but I am handing it over to you to START!  You can do it because you DESERVE IT!

Peace and Happiness

Wendy

Nature Connection Coach

Ps if you need some guidance or a push in the right direction give me a call!  It’s what I do, and I love seeing your faces when you allow your HAPPINESS shine!