5 Simple, Yet Unconventional Ways, To Practice TRUE Self-Care (The Not So Obvious Secrets)

5 Simple, Yet Unconventional Ways, To Practice TRUE Self-Care (The Not So Obvious Secrets)

How can you pour from an empty cup? The answer is, you can’t. So how do you keep your cup full? What would happen if time was scheduled, care was taken and you could breathe?

Self-care is often seen as a selfish act. Taking care of ourselves first is so much more than self-care. It's being the best possible version of ourselves for our family, friends, coworkers, and even being nice to those around us.

The biggest misconception is that self-care is a waste of time. I used to believe that too. However, starting small, I would get a massage once a month, then pedicures monthly. It became apparent that I had more energy and more patience to deal with the rough spots in life. Then, it became a way of life.

A wise woman once said to me, “after me, you are first”. A nice way of reminding yourself that you need time too. We're putting our needs and our wants at the same level as those of others. We're taking care of ourselves so that we can better take care of others.

Women tend to empty their cups by pouring into others and never taking a minute for themselves. Between careers, children, and household duties, women generally push themselves to the back burner. Self-care for women is often perceived as selfish. I invite you to have a different thought. What if women taking the time to care for themselves first, made them better leaders, mothers, and corporate citizens.

And self-care is not just for women. Men benefit tremendously from self-care by being better fathers, providers, and leaders. While activities may vary for men, relaxation and rejuvenation give men the opportunity to be better in all areas of their lives too. It's also just as important for kids and teens to take time for themselves. They need time to relax and recharge so that they can better deal with the stress of school and life.

Outside of the normal self-care advice, what are some ways to practice self-care, in not so obvious ways? Here are 5 little known secrets of self-care and simple ways to get started:

1. Schedule time for yourself each day, it is the most important meeting you will have all day. Just 10 or 15 minutes is enough. During that time, do something that you enjoy. Read a book, take a bubble bath, listen to music, or take a walk.

2. Beware of what you put in your body, on your body, and in your mind. This is juicy and I learned this from another wise friend. Eat healthily and exercise is trite when you don’t know what to do. Eat whole foods, read labels, shop the perimeter of the store. What you put on your body is just as important. Finally, what you put in your mind is crucial. Having affirmations you can repeat will help keep your mind clean and moving forward.

3. Getting enough sleep is a pipedream for most because it is not put in the proper context. Sleep is probably the number 1 self-care ritual that is ignored. Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each night, but many of us don't get that much. When we're tired, we're more likely to get sick, have accidents, and make mistakes.

4. Take time for yourself and by yourself. For the most part, we live in a constant barrage of noise, and connecting with our inner being is not something that we do often. The weekends or early mornings are great times to “be” with ourselves. Breathe deeply and take in nature with your favorite beverage. Reconnect with the world.

5. Use that time off from work, it is a benefit, so don’t lose it. It is interesting that people do not use their vacation to get away and regroup. It is good for your psychological, emotional, and professional wellbeing.

Self-care is so important for our physical and mental health. It's about taking care of ourselves so that we can be the best possible version of ourselves. When we take time for ourselves, we're not being selfish. We're taking care of ourselves so that we can better take care of others.

If you're not taking time for yourself, I encourage you to start today. Fill your cup and then you can be there for others. Remember the phrase, “after ME, You are first”

If you’d love a customized strategy based on my 20 years of experience working with people just like you, hop on my calendar at http://meetwithleeann.me

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