Thank you to Tina for this month’s guest blog, all about how daily self care is easier than you think!
When I say self-care, what is your reaction? That it is another thing to add to do your to do list? Something that you just don’t think you have time for? Some people get scared off when they hear self-care, thinking it’s going to be time consuming and expensive. Self care isn’t about a day at a spa, although they are wonderful every now and again. Self care for me is daily self-care activities that nourish you and result in you feeling better about yourself.
If you are not looking after yourself, how are you going to be healthy enough to put time and effort into your business or home life? I’m sure you’ve heard of the saying about filling your own cup first? Another really important factor to consider when you are an entrepreneur is that you are your business. If you are ill because you haven’t been looking after yourself, there isn’t anyone else to take over. The more you look after you, the more you’ll be able to look after your business as well other aspects of your life!
So what do I mean by self-care?
Search the internet and you’ll find lot of definitions. How I define it and what you’ll see on my blog Simply Shine is:
Self-care is any activity that you do for yourself, to protect, maintain, develop and improve your health and wellbeing. It is something that nourishes or benefits your mind body or soul in some way. Self-care is anything that inspires you and makes you happy. Think of it like making a deposit in your energy bank.
On some days, it might be about simply looking after your basic needs: including remembering to stop for lunch, drinking water and getting some fresh air. On others you can top up your energy bank a little more with dinner with a friend, taking a nap or having a spa treatment like a massage or a manicure. Quite often self-care activities are the things you are doing anyway-or at least should be. The point here, is more about having an awareness of the importance of looking after you, slowing down and enjoying the activities in a mindful way. Not so daunting now?
We are creatures of habits and you probably use routines and habits in your business. If those routines are not kept, or you don’t carry out certain tasks, things will begin to slide, and your business will not function properly. It is the same with self care and your overall wellbeing. Self care isn’t something you do only when you think there is the time or when you’re already feeling tired. It’s the constant repetition of many tiny habits, which together make sure you’re at your best—physically, mentally and emotionally. Small changes can add up to big results. Just by introducing small changes to your every day, to focus on you more will add up to big results in your life and business.
Don’t allow yourself to slip into the mindset that you don’t need to be taken care of, that you’re not worth it, or that others need to be taken care of more than you do. Because the reality is, you do need to be taken care of, you are worth it, and you can’t look after others if you aren’t looking after yourself first.
How about making yourself a commitment?
How about committing to carrying out three small self-care activities every day. You will see and feel the difference and others around you might too! You can download my 3forMe Strategy here with more information and ideas to nourish your mind, body and soul. Some activities fall into more than one category, so don’t get too hung up on this. The strategy is to give you a framework. If you wish-you can mix and match to suit your day and passions. The important aspect is to complete 3 self-care activities every day.
One of my passions is to create a whole community of people who are dedicated to taking time out for themselves every day; to value themselves and feel happy and healthy. I have a growing community on Facebook in Shine in Self-Care-click here to request to join.
Tina is a Lifestyle and Wellbeing Blogger in Cambridge, UK.
