I don’t know about you, but I think self-care is a little misunderstood.
A lot of women confuse self-care with self-indulgence — picturing themselves drinking mimosas at the spa or sitting at a fancy Italian restaurant while their kids are freaking out at home with the babysitter.
The term itself has become so trendy, it’s almost lost its meaning and become something most women think is unattainable.
Self-care isn’t just about indulging…. (buuuuuuut sometimes you do gotta treat yo-self) — it’s about caring for yourself in a healthy way.
It’s one of the most important things we can do as goal-oriented, driven, busy, badass female entrepreneurs. And I don’t think we talk about it enough in the right context.
Self-care is not about being selfish or lazy...it’s not a luxury only some of us can afford.
It’s about taking a deep breath...
Nourishing our bodies and our minds…
Self-LOVE...
Being grateful…
Bottom line: It’s about CARE.
I’m passionate about women’s health — it’s one of the main reasons I became a health coach and a life coach — and I think it’s time we take self-care back.
We’ve all got self-care blocks, what’s yours?
Back in the day, I had a huge self-care block.
I felt like I didn’t deserve it.
My daughter Madeline needed me. My husband Wes needed me. My business needed me. My mom needed me. My sister needed me. My team needed me.
I believed it was selfish to take time for myself.
But that my friend, is the fastest way to burnout, especially when you’re as busy as I am.
It’s hard when you’re in the moment… especially with young kids….where every second you are responsible for a little human that needs you in every way.
But I promise that taking baby steps (pun intended) to care for your mind and body will allow you to make those precious moments with your child even better.
It will make your relationships better.
It will make your business better.
You can’t be present if you’re stressed.
You can’t be happy when you’re overwhelmed.
You can’t be productive when you’re burnt out.
Do some soul searching and figure out what your block is.
No time?
Make time...even if it’s just two minutes of deep breathing.
Don’t think you deserve it?
You DO.
What is self-care anyways?
Self-care comes in many forms.
Eating healthy is a big one...and it’s something you CAN do every day that won’t add time to your routine.
Right?! You gotsta eat!
It’s time to shift your diet to whole foods… with lots of greens and no processed garbage.
What you put into your body influences every other aspect of your being, especially your mental health.
Exercise is also key.
It’s proven to reduce stress and increase happiness levels.
It will give you the energy you need to conquer everything your day throws at you.
Breathing is critical.
Slowing down your breath, taking deep breaths from your belly and/or having a solid meditation practice will do wonders for your mental and physical health.
What are you thankful for?
Gratitude is a great way to put things in perspective.
We have so much to be thankful for, no matter how hard life seems.
There is always something positive in our lives. Always.
Every morning, list all the things you’re grateful for and I guarantee you’ll notice a difference in your level of joy.
Self-care begins in the morning
This is important.
How you start your day has a huge impact on your whole day.
Coming up with a morning routine that works for you will set you up for success.
For me, I need to wake up slowly and without an alarm.
Once I feel ready, I do a bit of meditation and then I head to a fitness class..
I try to take a class every morning.
It fires me up and fuels my body and my mind for the day.
I also eat a super healthy breakfast and limit myself to one coffee a day (Just for a morning pick me up. I have too much energy as it is, lol).
This routine sets me up for success because after I’ve taken care of myself, I can then take care of Madeline,
get through my meetings, feel inspired about my biz and feel like I can do anything.
How can you incorporate self-care into your mornings?
Maybe that’s getting up an hour earlier...before the kids wake up.
Or maybe it’s asking for help….can your partner handle the morning craziness half the week so you have time for you?
After you get your morning ritual nailed down, you can then look at the rest of your day.
My nightly ritual is all about baths, bunny robes and books...but for now, let’s take it one step at a time.
What is your morning ritual like?
How do you incorporate self-care into your day? Let me know in the comments!