For some reason, and I don’t know what it is, I seem to be under the impression that I’ve gotten so much better with my self-care as the years have gone by. That’s not the case—I still struggle to create balance in my life. And while I do a pretty good job of taking care of everything and everyone else in my world, I stink at taking care of myself.
It’s not intentional. I’m just really passionate, full of energy, and love getting stuff done. Over the past year, I have become much more intuned to my body, however, I still block out and ignore what my body is trying to tell me until I realize a little too late that I’ve gone too far. For me, once I hit that brick wall, I feel like I cannot drive myself home and I seriously need to lay down and take a nap.
I wish I was that woman who gets up to meditate and journal each morning while sipping a cup of coffee, but I am not. As soon as my feet hit the ground, I am ready to go and don’t want anything to slow me down. Learning to pay attention, recognize my highs and lows, and anticipate my needs before I crash is definitely a struggle for me. One size does not fit all, so my self-care looks a little different, and perhaps yours does as well. Sleep is super important for healing our bodies, so I do my best to get 8 hours each night whenever possible. In the morning, the first stop is my computer so I keep my vitamins and supplements next to my keyboard. Hopefully, I have some meals prepped and can grab and go, but just in case, I have my favorite protein bars and shakes at my office. Recently, I bought a rug and a comfy chair to create a special little space so I can break away from the screen and even take a power nap if that is what my body needs. Instead of worrying about losing time and not getting enough done, I have found that I am more focused and productive when I give myself a break…who knew? And hydrating throughout the day, is such a biggy and a real game changer, drink that water ladies! (I’m saying it so I hear it too!)
So the next time you are feeling “off”, ask yourself, what do I need at this moment? Your body will tell you, just be sure to listen and then take action and follow through. Sometimes my body wants me to get out of my chair and go to the bathroom, and sometimes it wants ice cream…who am I to question?
What are three small things you can do for your self-care that would be easy to implement into your day? And remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection.
Kimberly Cline is a Co-Creator, Image Guru, and Cheerleader who believes the universe is conspiring to help you prosper! Experience Connection, Growth, and Gratitude at SuccessYourWay.com.