Personal Growth: Five Ways to Practice Self-Care

It is important to give ourselves the space and permission to take a break, step back, and relax. Here are five easy ways you can practice self-care starting today.

1. Turn off email, phones, and other devices. I have come to realize more and more how these things are hugely distracting and all too often create additional chaos and stress in our everyday lives. Limit phone calls and email time and systemize where possible. Leave the black berry (crack) at home, stop playing games on the iPhone and get gifts.

2. Take a brisk 20-minute walk. Walking has been my solution to many problems; I find that even a short walk can really change my perspective on a situation. Be sure to try new walking trails for an even bigger change in perspective.

3. Say “no” to what doesn’t work for you. If you’re like me, you’re a people pleaser and it’s hard to say no, but when we overcommit ourselves to other people, obligations, projects, or clients that don’t serve us, we can resent it. Get in the habit of taking a day or two to think things through and assess whether the commitment is right for you.

4. Give yourself a break. I’m not talking about a break from work, what I’m talking about is a break from beating yourself up. Pushing yourself to meet deadlines, working overtime, and burning yourself out serves no one. Be easy on yourself, if you’re not kind to yourself, who will be? You will never have everything done, and the perfect does not exist.

5. Passion, Hobbies, Nature. What do you love but do not allow yourself to enjoy? Whatever “it” is, do it. For me, I rarely give myself enough time to go to the mountains to do some hiking, worse still; I stop painting and being creative, which I love. Spend some time working on your hobby and passions (outside of work) and find that you will easily rejuvenate yourself.

For women, this is even more important, as we go through life feeling the need to care for others, it is critical that we care for ourselves first. My friend and fellow trainer Jess Dushane runs self-care workshops. If she’s having trouble managing her self-care and you’re ready to take it seriously, see what she’s up to at http://www.awaken-within.com. I know I’ll be there!