“Self-care is not selfish. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” -Eleanor Brown
Have you found yourself struggling to keep up with the rush of the world around you? Are you stretched thin by work and family or drained by your personal goals and endeavors. In the overwhelm of modern life, it can be easy to forget how important it is to take care of ourselves.
Think about the lead mare. If you watch a herd of horses, you may not notice the lead mare right away. She usually isn’t very flashy, she doesn’t micro-manage, and she is often the one quietly eating or observing. Because she is responsible for the safety and well-being of her herd, she wisely chooses where to expend her energy — she doesn’t run herself ragged or dull her keen senses by attempting to do everything. Instead, she takes care of herself FIRST by eating, resting and allowing others to do their own jobs, so she can do hers to the best of her ability. This is the way she gives to her herd.
The first step towards caring for and replenishing yourself is recognizing the importance of self-care as a means to living your best life and fulfilling your goals and intentions. When we take care of ourselves first, we allow ourselves the opportunity to strengthen and support ourselves in a way that makes it possible for us to show up not only for ourselves but for others as well. Self-care is the foundation for both personal growth and service to others – it is infused with loving kindness and the intention for holistic wellness and balance.
Here are 6 simple tips you can use to bring self-care into your roadmap for a healthy and happy life.
#1 – Listen to yourself: We instinctively know what’s best for us, but often we don’t listen! We push on, ignoring telltale signs from our bodies & minds – tiredness, pain, that nagging feeling in your gut. Pay attention to the physical signs you get from your body & respect what they are telling you. Emotional messages come through too – honor your feelings. If you don’t like what you’re doing, why are you doing it? Perhaps there’s another way. If something feels wrong, don’t do it!
#2 – Prioritize: No one can do it all and trying is just going to land you in a world of distress and disappointment. Take time to prioritize your day and be ready to let go of much of your list. 
Focus on what’s most important to you and accept that you can’t do everything.
#3 – Ask for help: If you’re feeling dissatisfied with the amount you are able to do on your own then use your resources. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Allowing another to help you not only takes some of the burden off of you, it can also give them an opportunity to express their goodwill towards you and feel valued in the process.
#4 – Take care of your body: You only get one! Exercise, eating well and sleep are essential for self-care. In addition to the basics, go the extra mile and create pleasant experiences for your body that you will enjoy – a relaxing bath, a leisurely walk through nature breathing fresh, clean air, a comfortable nap in a sunny spot, a nourishing gourmet meal, a massage, whatever strikes your fancy. Treat yourself!
#5 – Speak up: Would you want someone to squash their true feelings, dreams & desires because they were afraid to express themselves, even though it was hurting them to do so? Don’t do this to yourself either. Be honest with yourself & others. Don’t say “yes” to someone if it means saying “no” to yourself. Take care of your needs and don’t be afraid to say them out loud. When you share your needs with others, it often allows them to feel
comfortable enough to also share theirs.
#6 – Be with those you love: Surround yourself with the ones who make you smile. Smiling is good for you, so is laughing – so keep those loved ones close! Whether it’s your family, lover, pet or favorite movie star on your TV, keeping company that makes you happy and supports & loves you (the real you) is a wonderful form of self care.
Self-care in the workplace is also an essential component of well-being – click here for more information and 7 tips.
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