Blog #122 Do You Ever Just Stop and Take Care of YOU?
When I am writing and choose to take a break, I love to stop and go for a little walk or play with my puppies Ricky and Kaillee. They bring me such joy and they are always right in the present moment; which is such a great example and reminder for all of us. Taking time to take a breather and enjoy the moment. That is taking care of me and of them.
Inspiration from the Power of Positivity:
Let’s stop wearing busy, as a badge of honor.
I get it. We’re a culture that:
Applauds hustle over rest
Takes pride in achievements
Feels valued when our calendar is full
Action is everything and rest can feel shameful, or even lazy.
After cycles of burnout, I pushed through because I was “strong”, and then hit rock bottom.
It took losing everything to realize:
Self-care is self-awareness.
I am MORE than what I do.
Balance makes me MORE productive.
We weren’t designed to hustle 24/7.
We are human beings. Not a human doing.
You can hustle, but do work that ignites you and you’ll never work a day in your life.
To create a successful balance, discover the key to it all . . . Self-Care
It transformed my life. And I believe, with all my heart, it can for YOU too.
Because, let’s face it, life can be challenging and you need as many things as you can in your positivity toolbox.
You can’t run on empty. With self-care, you can more easily embrace the discomfort of life AND use it as a catalyst for growth.
It’s the most sustainable way to live in today’s modern world.
Remember: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s necessary and YOU deserve it.
7 Science-Backed Self-Care Ideas for Busy People
· Take a Short Walk in Nature: A 15-minute walk in a natural setting can boost your mood and reduce cortisol levels, helping to alleviate stress and increase happiness.
· Mindfulness Meditation: Spend 10 minutes focusing on your breath and bringing awareness to the present moment. Studies show mindfulness can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
· Try Deeply Breathing: Spend a few minutes practicing deep breathing techniques, such as the 4-7-8 method. This can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
· Listen to Music You Love: Play your favorite tunes for a mood boost. Research indicates that listening to music can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and enhance overall mood. Add some dance if it helps, too!
· Write a Gratitude List: Take 5 minutes to jot down three things you’re grateful for. Studies show that practicing gratitude can improve mental health, increase resilience, and foster a more positive outlook.
· Stretch or Do Yoga: Spend 10-15 minutes stretching or practicing yoga poses. This can improve flexibility, increase blood flow, and reduce muscle tension, contributing to both physical and mental relaxation.
Disconnect from Devices: Take a break from your phone, computer, and TV for at least 30 minutes before bed. Reducing screen time can lower eye strain, improve sleep quality, and decrease feelings of anxiety.
These are just a few ideas of taking good care of You!
There are so many to choose from, but this is a good start.
Find the ones that work for you.
Photo of my sweet puppies Ricky 3 & Kaillee 4!