When things get busy, it's amazing how quickly self care can go out the window. Why is this important? The way we take care of ourselves has a huge impact on our personal wellbeing, our ability to live life to the full and make change happen, and our relationships with others. If you're not eating well and only getting 5 hours sleep a night, chances are your energy is going to suffer. It might feel manageable - and in periods of stress we might feel we need to operate like this for a short while - but it is not sustainable.
Think of self care in 4 categories:
REST: the amount of sleep and down-time you give yourself to relax and recover;
NUTRITION: putting the right things into your body so you have the energy you need to thrive (not just survive);
NOURISHMENT: feeling loved, appreciated and cared for starts with you, how do you speak to yourself when you run into challenges, reward yourself when you've done well and treat yourself when you're feeling run down;
STIMULATION: physical exercise is essential for keeping our bodies and minds in good working order, but mental stimulation and growth are also important - how can you challenge yourself and keep learning.
If it helps, think of yourself as a small child that needs to be cared for, loved and nourished in order to grow. Notice and appreciate how you feel in your mind and body. How might you treat yourself differently to how you are now?
What 3 things can you commit to starting this week that will help you look after you better? Remember, looking after yourself is not selfish, it's essential. Tip: put these things in your diary at the start of the week, or even for the weeks ahead, so they don’t slip when you get busy.
