Are you constantly putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own? Do you spend much time worrying about what your kids, spouse, or pets need? But when it comes to you, your self-care is not even on the to-do list.
One of the most important things you can do for your health is to take care of yourself. Unfortunately, self-care is often the first thing to go when we get busy. We may not realize it, but neglecting self-care can lead to physical symptoms.
Your symptoms are a sign
Our body is trying to get our attention when we experience unexplained symptoms. It’s our way of saying, “Hey! Put the focus back on me! We’re worth the time!
Some of these symptoms could be:
- Living on carbs
- Drinking energy drinks and caffeine throughout the day, then crashing and burning at night
- Back hurts
- Tummy is in trouble
- Constipated
- Not sleeping
- Body aches and pains
These are all signs that you need to up your self-care game. Give yourself permission for self-care now so you can take care of everyone else later.
Selfcare isn’t selfish
It’s necessary. Recharging your batteries helps you show up as your best self for the people and things you care about most.
But what happens when we don’t make self-care a priority?
For starters, our physical health can suffer. When we’re run down, our immune system isn’t as strong, making us more susceptible to colds and flu. We may also find that we’re more prone to headaches, stomach aches, and other physical ailments.
When we’re already feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and burnt out, it’s hard to find the energy to take care of our basic needs, let alone our emotional ones. This can create a self-perpetuating cycle of poor self-care and negative emotions. In addition, not taking care of ourselves can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
So next time you’re feeling run down or like you just can’t handle one more thing, remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s essential. Your physical and mental health will thank you for it.
Carve out pockets of self-care every day
Give yourself some significant pockets of self-care time throughout the day. Start with three easy ways to slip in some self-care time. Once you get into a routine, you’ll crave this self-care time each day. You’ll begin to love and trust your body.
1. Start with morning Me Time
Spend five to ten minutes alone with your journal, a book, stretching, or praying. This is a great way to get out of your head and nourish your mind and body. It sets the tone for the day.
2. Pause & Process
This is a practice to do throughout the day. After completing tasks, pause and process for two minutes. Are you breathing? Are your muscles tense or relaxed?
Take a minute to stand up and stretch. Take a drink of water. Use the restroom or eat a snack.
This creates love and trust with yourself by listening to your body’s wisdom.
3. End with an evening cool down
It’s essential to cool down from the day too. Take five to ten minutes to let go of what happened during the day. You can sit quietly or go on a walk or dance. Spend time reconnecting with yourself once again.
How do you feel? What is your body telling you? Is there anything from the day that you need to release?
Making self-care a priority is essential for physical and mental health. Try carving out pockets of self-care time throughout the day, such as morning me time, pauses to check in with yourself, and an evening cool down. Your body will thank you for it!
