Holly has two boys, a spouse, and a full-time job. Some days she feels like she can barely go to the bathroom alone.

Sadie is a pharmacist. She works long hours that don’t stop on nights and weekends. She enjoys spending time with her family. She also likes going to the activities and social events hosted by friends in her neighborhood.

Theresa has a spouse, a daughter, and works full time.  She also helps take care of an elderly parent that requires care and attention. 

I am betting you can identify with one of the scenarios above.  We all have a lot going on and we give a lot of ourselves to our family, our jobs, our friends, etc.  But if we are honest with ourselves, we all have time.  You just need to take it. 

Secure Your Mask

The airlines have it right when it comes to self-care. Masks are automatically deployed when the plane hits turbulence.  You need to secure your own mask before helping others.  Any other way and you won’t be able to help others.

Similarly, putting your health and fitness (aka. your engine) on the back burner will leave you sputtering.  At some point, you will be, quite literally, gasping for air. 

Ask yourself…

What are you doing to make sure you are well and staying healthy?  What does your exercise routine look like? Did you join a gym last year only to fall off a couple months later? Block the time in your calendar and treat it like a work meeting or a doctor appointment.  Keep this appointment with yourself. 

What does your nutrition look like? Many will say it’s too hard to start something this close to the holidays.  What about a softer approach?  It’s not all or nothing this time of year.  Mix in a healthy meal or snack as often as you can.  Do you need some guidance?  We can help.

This is what self-care is all about… taking care of YOU. Sure, the massages and the spa days are nice but those are extra.  Self-care comes in the form of sleeping well, exercising regularly eating well every day.

We know it the holiday season and it’s easy to say, I’ll start again later or after the holidays. Our houses are full of holiday planning, shopping, getting the kids to school or online, working, etc.  But now, more than ever, it’s important to embrace self-care.  Increasing physical activity, decreasing mental stress, and being intentional with our nutrition is vital to supporting mental and physical health.  It helps us stave off illness and recuperate faster if we get sick. 

Pull out your calendar, make an appointment with yourself to get to class, and keep that promise to yourself. 

Be better at life by being better to yourself first.