We all have busy lives the one thing we all need to do is take time out EVERY day to Take Care of Yourself....you have all heard the Airline Stewart, say 'Put the breathing mask on yourself first, then put it on your child'.
Well the same goes for everyday life, if you can't look after yourself, how can you be in your best possible health, body & mind to take care of someone else, even if they are a toddler?
Yes you have many things to get done & get through every day, and you are asking yourself how can I now add something else to the mix...like taking care of myself, are you serious?
Of course I am, to tell you the truth that is why I am writing this blog in the first place, I am struggling to balance everything. This is the plan I have come up with:
1. Set Specific time slots when you DON'T work.
Focusing on work is a great excuse for not taking care of yourself. I have now set specific time slots where I won’t work and will instead spend time on my family, friends and me. These slots are first thing in the morning (before 7 a.m.) I am a morning person and I like to exercise first thing in the morning, dinner (5 to 8 p.m.). Except for events I must attend, these slots are sacred times for me to spend with my family and not work. Setting this up I think will be life-changing.
2.Start or finish my day with exercise.
I have always exercised, I prefer in the morning, that is not always possible. I set aside a minimum of 60 mins before 7am to run, bike ride, walk with in a group, a friend or my partner. I find morning increases my self awareness and helps me put things into perspective. I also find I tend to be much more positive, energetic and happy.
3. Get enough Sleep (ZZZ)
There is more than enough evidence to support the benefits of sleep. More sleep equates to more happiness, better health and improved decision making. It also detoxes the brain. Being sleep deprived also ages you and it is harder to maintain a even body weight.The point here is clear sleep well, recharge your batteries and be happy and healthier!
4. Family and Friends
Family and friends are on your side. It doesn't matter how bad a day you had your family and friends will be there at the drop of a hat. Call mum, dad or your BBF, tell them what is happening in your life and listen to what is happening in theirs....It keeps you focused and grounded.
5. Wake up slowly, stretch before getting out of bed.
I have been know to answer emails before getting out of bed. Starting the day like this has a negative affect on your day ahead. Most of these emails or messages have already waited up to 8 hours, what would another 20mins do? I will be in a much better frame of mood if I take 15 to 20 mins to wake up, do a few light stretches, to get my mind and body ready for the day. It is much the same as training, you don't just start a 'fun run' or any exercise before warming up first.
6. Yoga
I have always been a very active person, of late I am feeling I would benefit from doing something a little slower. Yoga is something I can switch off completely, my mind will be focused on me only- no calls, no employees, no emails, no social media, nothing but me!
7, Read a Book
I know many people are getting into podcasts, I love a good book. You can simply lose yourself, the author can colour your world. Something, non business related, something for health or mindfulness would do the trick for me!
8. Book yourself into your own schedule
I remember years ago a friend of mine used to do this, I thought how silly and selfish, as I have gotten older I have come to realize this has been the best thing I have seen. You then don't 'skip' out on you, you don't then mentally say to yourself, I will do it later, knowing you are just lying to yourself.
9. Eat Right
I have always done this, I make up my meal plans for the week on a Friday. This includes, breakfast, morning snacks, lunch, afternoon snacks, & dinner for the whole week. I then write down my shopping list for the whole week. I have in recent months right then and there put in my online shopping organized for it to be delivered the next day. This way I don't buy any sneaky chocolates, or anything that I know I will never use that will sit forever in my pantry. Good food in, good things out. Junk food in, junk out.
10. Have a good can do attitude.
If you always feel negative, consider getting help to change this approach, whether it be via therapy, reading self-help books or spending time around more upbeat people (the latter is always important).
11. Drink Plenty of Water.
This will help hydrate your skin and your body. It also flushes toxins out of your body and helps you concentrate. Try to drink enough so that your urine is very light yellow.