The modern world is a very fast-paced, technologically enhanced life. We don’t need a “Wisdom Wednesday” post to remind us of that. We’re constantly reminded because social media engulfs huge chunks of our day. Many hours are spent staring at our computer or phone screens, texting or checking emails and the list goes on. We often spend majority of our time completing tasks for work, tending to our kids or managing the household, but what about “self-care”? It’s rare that people are able to disconnect and spend time focusing on just themselves, no one else. When is the last time you did something to take care of YOU? Read a book lately or watched a really great movie? Got a massage? Played a fun game of baseball? Simply got eight full hours of uninterrupted sleep? Self-care is really important for finding a good balance in life. According to physchcentral.com,
“self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It’s also key to a good relationship with oneself and others.”
As a parent, we always want to provide the best care for our family. As a co-worker, we want to perform our job the best we possibly can. As a friend, we want to be there when they need us. As an employer and/or business owner, we want to provide the best service for our clients. However, without focusing on your own mental, emotional and physical health, how can you focus on theirs? Let’s face the facts, we can’t always get eight full hours of uninterrupted sleep or watch a movie without the distraction of kids, but there are ways to include self-care in your every day life and its highly recommended that you do this. Start by scheduling in a twenty minute window each day that’s just for you. It can be your morning coffee, sitting alone drinking it in silence. Maybe a hot bath in the evening without any interruption. It could also be just sitting on the couch for twenty minutes winding down after the kids go to bed. Maybe your hour at the gym each day is solely for you. If it is, then be sure to schedule it in your day. Don’t just wing it. Make it a point to get there every day. Exercise will definitely help reduce stress and anxiety caused by all those normal life situations. Want to tackle two birds with one stone? Spend twenty minutes a day with romWOD or complete the Mobility Thursday videos we have been posting on Facebook. Pencil time for yourself into each day. The pile of clothes can wait. The dishes can wait. Your health should not come second, make it a priority. Your future self will thank you.