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This weekend coming up is a busy one. For many it’s filled with last minute shopping, wrapping, parties, and early celebrations – all of the running around just means that you may be lacking on some self care.
Self Care is a term that gets thrown around a lot, and while I’m a huge supporter of self-care, true self care doesn’t always show up in forms that most tend to flock to.
About 1 year ago, almost to the date, I did an episode with Psychotherapist and Mindfulness Expert, Sherile Turner. In that episode, we discussed how I had been lacking self-compassion.
Over the past year, I’ve learned and implemented so much from my podcasts guests, but for me, the biggest lesson was that the foundation of self-care, is actually self compassion.
When people say “you need some time or yourself, do some self-care” I guarantee what they’re actually stating is, “have some alone time, get a manicure, grab a latte, take you a hot bubble bath”
While self-care is absolutely doing acts that make you feel better mentally, emotionally, physically or even spiritually – we have to look past the consumer driven self-care acts and get back to that core foundation of self-compassion.
Here are 3 things to re-evaluate and be mindful of this and on-going, when it comes to revitalizing yourself.
First and foremost, take a look at your personal boundaries.
Healthy boundaries are a must in life. If you’re over-extending yourself energetically, emotionally and/or physically, you likely are lacking some healthy personal boundaries. Making time for the people you love and care about is critical, but doing it at the expense of your health, budget, or even responsibilities – is not in alignment with your best self.
I recently had to evaluate if I could make a trip for a friend’s event. It would financially burden me and would require me to have a crazy travel schedule, which then started to stress me out. I didn’t want to let down my friend, but I also didn’t want to disrupt my finances or over-stress myself. I made the choice to choose what’s in the best interest for myself in this situation. This is not to say it wasn’t hard to tell my friend no, but since I tend to surround myself with grace-filled friends, she understood.
Boundaries may not feel good in the moment, but I promise – the long term benefits are worth it.
Number 2 is to look at ways you’re overextending yourself.
Now this kinda goes back to personal boundaries, but if you’re the type of person who “Can do it all” or really hates to say no, realize that youre doing yourself a disservice by being so busy. If you’re an over-giver, you’re likely also likely lacking in self care. I’ve also noticed personally, that as a reformed over-giver, I was quick to give but not so quick to ask for help from others. I’m now way more vocal when I need help, and as a result, I find myself less stressed. I’m slightly a perfectionist, so dropping the “i can do it all” perfectionist mentality, is something I mindfully work on daily.
Finally, coming in at number 3 – look at your overall health.
Are you getting enough sleep? Are you exercising? In this past week’s regular episode, we spoke to Brianna Wilkerson who also emphasized our gut health and the vital role our gut has to our health…so maybe your self care this weekend means getting some probiotics or making sure what you’re eating is fueling your body and not depleting it.
Self care is an intentional daily practice. It connects the mind, body and spirit and helps catapult our lives in a healthy direction.
If you enjoyed this episode share it with a friend and be sure to rate the podcast on apple podcasts or wherever it is that you tune in and turn it up. And hey – if you’re on social media, let’s connect! I seriously love becoming virtual friends with so many of you – reach out to me and let’s be friends, I’m everywhere on social media @mindbizlife or you can find my personal pages @laurensmithbiz
That’s all for today, I’ll see you next week and until then remember: every level of life is an opportunity to grow. Be well my friend.
