Episode Transcript
Have you noticed when your body feels tired, your mind does, too? Our mind, body, and emotions are very much intertwined. We need a purposeful approach if we want to operate at peak performance. Some of us may have physically demanding jobs, and our bodies get plenty of exercise. However, stretches can still reduce muscle fatigue and the risk of injury.
But our mind, body, brain, and soul/spirit are equally important considerations for total well-being.
Embracing self-care is a crucial aspect of maintaining our overall well-being and happiness. It involves intentionally prioritizing our physical, mental, and emotional health. By actively practicing self-care, we can better manage stress, avoid burnout, and cultivate a positive mindset.
Understand what self-care means to you and what activities or practices nurture your well-being. It could be engaging in a hobby, spending time in nature, reading, practicing meditation, or simply taking a hot bath.
Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Schedule time specifically for self-care activities and treat it as important as any other commitment in your life. Action is the answer, followed up with consistency. It won't matter how small the action is as long as it is consistent.
Learn to say no to things that drain your energy and prioritize activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Setting boundaries will help you create space for self-care without feeling overwhelmed or guilty.
Boundaries are reasonable. We may think I have too much to do. But if you get sick, burned out, or run down, you will be forced to put things aside. And we all know "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Cultivate awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the present moment. Mindfulness can help you disengage from stressful thoughts and promote relaxation and well-being.
Most of our actions, reactions, and thoughts are automatic. But it doesn't mean they are helpful or healthy.
Engage in regular physical activity, eat nutritious food, get enough sleep, and practice good hygiene. Caring for your body plays a significant role in your self-care routine—experiment for yourself. You don't have to jump on every new nutrition fad bandwagon. Your body will tell you how it feels about what you eat and when. I found eating two kinds of fruits for breakfast and including quinoa in my evening meal aids in digestion and vitality.
Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. Regularly connect with loved ones who provide emotional nourishment and encouragement. Most of us are uplifted when people we know care about us and check in with us. These check-ins can be a simple Hi, how are you doing or an inspirational or motivational tidbit. Please remember to do the same for loved ones. These acts also have a profound, healthy effect on us.
Reflect on your emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Journaling or practicing gratitude can be helpful tools to gain perspective and express your feelings. Sometimes, we may not detect negative self-talk or harmful actions. Our emotions and feelings can be an indicator of another issue we are not aware of.
Unplug and disconnect. In our fast-paced digital world, giving yourself breaks from technology is essential. Take time to disconnect from screens, social media, and emails, and spend quality time engaging in activities that fuel your soul. Recent studies show that the light frequency from our screens stimulates our brain and makes relaxation and sleep very difficult.
If you're struggling with your mental health or finding it difficult to engage in self-care, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific needs. There is no shame in seeking help if your actions don't work. A second set of eyes or a new point of view can bring something hidden to the surface.
Remember, self-care is not selfish—it's necessary. By embracing self-care, you invest in your well-being, allowing you to show up as your best self for yourself and others.
The primary goal of self-care is to obtain and maintain our well-being.
Prioritizing your well-being is crucial for living a healthy and fulfilling life. It involves caring for your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Take the time to reflect on what you genuinely need to feel well and happy. No one but you can know what you need for you. Sometimes we don't know. Usually, from an early age, our lives have been guided, controlled, or programmed to someone else's way of doing things. If being harmful to others is not your natural tendency, allow yourself to find yourself.
It is not selfish to give yourself things that you want. However, ensure it doesn't become obsessive or damaging to you or your family dynamic.
Healthy habits are just as easy to form as harmful habits. Sometimes, a slight change of habits makes a huge difference. Local gym owner Dan Moore likes to say 'small hinges swing big doors' (adaptation of a quote from American businessman and author W Clement Stone), and that's the truth! "It's the little things that we do consistently that make the difference."
We all like to dream and wish big. But please remember your values and well-being. Break your dreams down into manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. Remember that taking small, consistent steps is more sustainable and beneficial in the long run. Burnout makes a mess out of everything.
Find effective ways to manage and reduce stress in your life. This can involve practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness or engaging in activities that bring you joy and help you unwind, such as listening to music, enjoying the outdoors, or laughing with loved ones.
Focus on the positive aspects of your life and cultivate gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for, and consciously focus on the good rather than dwelling on negativity. Even if it's a job you don't like, list what you like about it. For instance, do you like getting paid? Do you like buying food to eat with money? The answer is yes. So, there are two things you like about the job. You will surprised how many things you can find in your life that will allow you to be grateful if you look for them. In life, whatever you look for, you will find.
Remember, prioritizing your well-being is a continuous journey that requires ongoing effort and self-reflection. Be patient with yourself, and make it a habit to regularly check in with yourself to ensure that your needs are being met.
You are worth it. And you don't need anyone's permission to be good to you.
For additional support and helpful hints, feel free to go to www.phoenixrevelationslifecoachingsupport.com.
Until we meet again, remember always to be the best version of you. In addition, Love Yourself. You are Not Alone. You are relevant and worthy.
How About that?
