Do you have people you need or want to take care of in your life? The answer is yes for a lot of people. Those you need to take care of could be a spouse, parent, child, sibling, neighbor, friend, or all of the above. Their care may consist of small tasks that are very simple like checking in and others may need complete care. Whatever the case may be, in order to take care of them well, you must take care of you. This may sound selfish yet it is far from it and frankly just the opposite. If you do not sleep enough, eat well and take care of your own health then how are going to take care of others effectively. This is exactly why you need to take care of YOU first.
HERE are some tips!
1..Get enough sleep! The amount of sleep is relative to each person. I know people who need 12 hours of sleep and others like myself only need about 6. Just make sure you get what you need.
2. Plan accordingly… by eating well, don’t over eat and be sure to make healthy food choices. It’s best to prepare meals at home in lieu of eating out. This also saves you a lot of money.
*3. If you can, exercise regularly. Please consult your physician prior to any physical fitness.
4. Express gratitude! This tip is one I need to practice more often. List 3 things you are grateful for every morning. This will start your day off right by thinking positive. Even though we all have bad days now and again, we still have so much to be thankful for.
5. Schedule alone time for yourself. This could be anything from sitting in silence to treating yourself to a movie. This will help you unwind. You’d me amazed what 15 minutes of alone time will do for you.
6. Say No! Don’t overwhelm yourself by taking on extra tasks that you don’t have time for. Saying yes to everything will lead to exhaustion and burn out. Also be sure to leave your schedule open to recoup from what’s already on your schedule.
7. Do something for you daily! This list is endless yet anything goes: yoga, meditation, taking a walk, taking a nap, read a book. It’s especially important to treat/reward yourself after you have completed a large task.
8. If you work somewhere and earn vacation days, USE THEM! If you can afford a vacation, GO! If you can only get away for a few days, GO! If you simply relax at home and don’t go anywhere, DO IT! Just use those paid days NOT to work and enjoy time OFF.
9. Move forward! Don’t live in the past. Give each day your best. Try to be a better version of you each and every day.
10. So, last and certainly not least, engage in self care EVERY day! My favorite is skincare! Check out my “Skincare” blog coming soon.
Confessions of a Midwest Life 