SELF CARE

One area over which we have control but which we often neglect is what I categorize as self care. With busy schedules and multiple responsibilities many people focus on meeting others' needs and expectations. They find themselves last on the priority list. As one of my friends recently put it, "If you don't take care of you, who will? If you take care of only you, then who are you?" (I believe he was remembering a quote from somewhere.)

If you stop to think, you are the only person YOU HAVE to live with the rest of your life. So I advocate becoming your own best friend. Treat yourself as you would treat your own best friend. Be kind, gentle and patient with yourself. Forgive yourself for any shortcomings or mistakes. Do things for yourself that nourish and nurture your body and soul. Provide balance in your life for the physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual aspects. Be sure to schedule activities in to address all of these areas.

Let me address the spiritual aspect here, as many people "tune out" at this point. I am not referring to anything specifically religious. The spiritual side of us is what connects us to the universe, its people and universal laws. Activities that nurture your soul include spending time in nature, connecting with other beings (humans, animals), giving or contributing to the good of others and the planet, meditation or prayer, giving gratitude for your blessings, as well as structured church or religious activity as desired.

The physical realm includes activities addressing nutrition, exercise, rest and sleep, personal hygiene, and recreation. Most people give these areas priority in their schedules. Mental and emotional aspects include attention to valuing and seeing positives in yourself and others, boundaries on time and space, asking for and receiving support from others, lightening up and scheduling fun and laughter, and releasing the negative (anger, resentment, excessive need to control, perfectionism, unrealistic expectations).

When you provide balance in your life, you are better able to cope with the daily stressors. Many of the areas mentioned above are addressed in my book, which I am hoping to make available by the end of this month. Stay tuned. In the meantime, BE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND AND START NOW!