Click here to listen to our 2 Scoops of Inspiration Podcast titled, Make Self-Care a Priority – the quality of your life depends on it.
Self-care, a word that is often revered but less often practiced. A lot of people wake up in the morning, grab a cup of coffee and plow into their day headfirst. How do you start your day? Does your “to-do list” start ruminating in your head the moment you wake up causing your mind and body to move into overdrive? Ever wonder why this fast start occurs? Your brain is always processing and when you wake up it attaches to a thought that can move you immediately into action without any regard to how you are feeling. This thought centered processing often moves you straight into go mode. There is a reason this happens. Your brain gets a hit of dopamine (a happy fix) every time you complete a task, so the more you do the more hits you get. Has your “to-do list” become a drug that fuels your addiction to busyness? I don’t know about you, but I can get so focused on completing tasks that I forget to enjoy the moment, and isn’t experiencing the moment where life is supposed to be lived? Unfortunately, not a concept that is highly regarded, encouraged or rewarded in our society.
So, what if you paused daily to get grounded and more in tune with your thoughts and feelings? Consider taking a few me-centered moments in the morning to take personal inventory. Checking in by asking yourself how you feel emotionally and physically is a great way to gauge if your tank is full, empty, or somewhere in between. Becoming more aware may actually point you in a healthier direction which certainly includes self-care. Two statements I hear a lot that can hijack you on the road to self-care are… "I feel guilty when I do things to take care of myself" and "I can’t seem to find the time to fit self-care into my busy schedule." If this resonates with you join the club because almost everyone is a member. So, how can you get past these barriers? Answer the next question and see if it helps move you in the right direction. What can you do more of in your life that makes you feel physically healthy, emotionally happy, mentally whole, and socially connected? Awareness can be a great catalyst for change and it often fuels intentional action. Consider one small thing you can do each day to practice self-care and get clear on why being nice to yourself is so important. Understanding your WHY can take you below the surface of thought to a deeper place where emotions live. Tapping into emotions like empathy and compassion are great motivators. We are all busy and time and energy are precious commodities, but so are you.
Self-care is like giving yourself a big emotional hug and who doesn’t need a hug, especially now.
Fact: Hugging someone for more than 30 seconds will shift their energy and yours from a thought lead transaction to a HEART centered experience.
Hugging someone is a simple and very time-efficient way to practice self-care, so try hugging your friends and family a little longer. It will make them feel better and you too.
“Pause to get grounded, pause to be grateful, and pause to practice self-care.” – Terrie Elizabeth
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