You know the old saying, “before you can care for others, you have to care for yourself.” In short, you’re important too. When you put your own self-care – how you treat yourself – on your daily to-do list, life gets better.
The consequences of not taking care of yourself are well documented, so let’s talk about what helps you be a better you.
When you commit to a personal wellness plan, your whole life can benefit. Taking care of yourself means prioritizing proper sleep, nutrition and exercise.
Simple things like making gym time nonnegotiable or canceling late night plans to get more sleep. Or, and this is a tough one, shutting off the computer and not checking your texts after a certain hour.
Your body is constantly letting you know what it needs to be its best, here’s how to listen:
1. Get More Sleep
The importance of rest can’t be overstated. More rest can help us be better workers, support creative thinking and can generally help with alertness.
To avoid fatigue, it's always best to get adequate sleep – usually a minimum of 6-to-8 hours. Make your ‘me’ time a priority and show up to whatever task you have as your best, well-rested self. Your boss and co-workers will likely appreciate you more, which can’t hurt your career aspirations.
2. Reduce Stress
This one is pretty obvious. Ever notice how after a crazy, stressful week at work can leave you feeling overwhelmed, rundown and worn out?
If you don’t care for yourself, your body begins to breakdown. You get tired, headachy, grouchy and less fun to be around. Stress combined with a lack of sleep can also potentially weaken your body’s immune system, leaving you in a position of vulnerablability for health-related issues.
De-stress with meditation or try a hot bath – complete with candles, read more, turn off the TV and do things that please you. Even a few moments of solitude can make any day a bit better. Meditation and fitness Apps are also a great place to start.
3. Let Relationships Flourish
When you take care of you, the people you care for the most will see a better, more rejuvenated you. First, by taking the necessary time for yourself, you give permission to your loved ones to take their own self-care seriously.
Second, when you’re well rested, relaxed and focused, you're likely to be much more fun to be around. Need a yoga session or bubble bath? If that’s what it takes to make you happier, less stressed and more alert, then make it an essential part of your wellness routine.
Soon others will notice you living with less stress and will want to follow your lead.
Talk about being an influencer!
4. Design ‘You 2.0’
When you embrace wellness, you’ll notice how much more vibrant life can be. It’s you, only better. You define what ‘ME-time’ looks like.
Binge-watch a favorite TV show, listen to a podcast, try cooking a new dish – the opportunities are endless. And so are the benefits.
5. Have Some Fun
When you’re at your happiest, you should be the most helpful to the world. Again, don’t feel guilty about making time for things that are important to you. Being well is an essential part of life.
It’s your journey so don’t be afraid to clear your schedule for a restorative yoga class, take a walk in the park during lunch or get yourself a massage at a Massage Envy franchise location near you. It may be a cliché but when it comes to wellness, it really is all about you.
Remember, you determine what makes you happy and that’s how wellness works. Don’t know where to begin? Try making a list three things that bring you comfort, joy and peace of mind. Then work them into your life on a routine basis.