Self-Care: Let' s practice

Do you think that if you take time for yourself, it’s selfish, rude, or not allowed?

I encourage you to change your perspective on self-care and instead think: ​IF I take time for my well-being, THEN I’m respecting myself. 

Are you struggling to sleep at night or stressing about your work/life balance?
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Do you incorporate any play or fun into your daily life? Or does that just happen on Saturdays?

If you don’t practice self-care, it can have consequences. Self-care reduces the negative effects of stress, help you refocus, and can positively impact your health and relationships. 

If you continue to put yourself last, nothing changes. Nobody is coming to rescue you. I know it's a hard reality to accept, but you are the creator of your daily life. You are the change!

Self respect exercise — time to practice

1) Make a list of 10 activities for your perfect day. Think about activities that will make your heart sing. To get started, check out this website and these suggestions:

• Do nothing at all.
• Practice your 5-minute breathing exercises.
• Drink a glass of water. Add a lemon, maybe.
• Smell your favorite scent. Try lavender essential oil to relax, a hot mug of peppermint tea for an energy boost, or a flower from your local market.
• Turn on a song from your high school days and dance!
• Take a walk around your yard. Observe and ground.
• Start a jar of sunshine. On a piece of paper, write something that made you happy that day. Open your notes when you need a boost.
• Head to the spa for a scheduled treatment and practice relaxing!
• Write down at least five things that make you grateful.
• Pet your cat or dog.
• Print out this list of self-care activities and keep it handy for reference if you get stuck.

2) Select each activity from your list and put it in your day planner or calendar for the upcoming month. I personally use Mel Robbin’s 5-Second Journal.

​Do you have a full calendar? Start small and schedule short five-minute activities. If you schedule them in your phone, turn on a sound notification so when it dings, you know to take 5. 

Remember: Be specific. What day, what time, and for how long? If you need to leave the house, how will you get there and what time will you leave your house?

Examples: 

On this Tuesday at 8pm, I will take an epsom salt bath for 30 minutes. 

Next Sunday at 11am, I will go snowshoeing at Empire Bluffs Trail in Empire, Michigan with my dog for an hour and a half. 

Give yourself some self-respect and nurturing this month.

YOU are worth making YOU a habit!

Need an accountability buddy? We are here to support you in the Attuned Coaching private Facebook group, Mindset Masters Unite! Our community comes together to share our daily mindset accomplishments and struggles. Find daily motivation and tips on kicking ass with a Growth Mindset by joining us here! Each day this December, we will be sharing our self-care activities. ​​