Life balance must include self-care!
You cannot survive with out it! Self-care is a must in the balance of life.
Do you ever wonder why they tell you in the event of a plane crash, pull down your oxygen mask first- use it, and then help small children or others who are in need? Does that evoke feelings of being selfish, rude, and perhaps even be considered unconscionable?
Let’s be real, as compassionate people sometimes we go too far and neglect ourselves. Work, work, work, give, give, give and we forget to replenish, rejuvenate and unwind! That has been true in my life.
For a caring person, taking time to do something for ourselves can leave us with a false impression of being selfish and unkind. How could we let someone else suffer who may not be as strong as we are, or have knowledge of how to survive under these conditions wait? Our initial reaction, I’ll help them first, and I’ll be alright.
Ironically, it’s quite the opposite to find success and sustainability over time. This type of lifestyle of giving without replenishing is not healthy on any level. We must build up ourselves first, self-care for healthier you. This type of self-care is found in the ability to care for yourself in such a way that you become stronger, wiser, and able to give out of abundance instead of what is left. No-one wins in the case of the latter, and it is much harder to start over than it is to replenish and keep moving forward.
Remember, you can’t give what you don’t have. You know this is true, but somehow when it comes to self-care we seem to lose the concept altogether. If someone is in need of water and you don’t have any water, you cannot give any water. The same is true if someone needs emotional support. If you don’t have the energy in reserve to listen, slow down, or be there, you are unable to help that person. It just doesn’t work.
You can’t give what you don’t have. No ifs, ands, or buts about it!
Build a stronger YOU! Start breaking down the barrier of guilt and build a place of value for yourself to benefit others, especially those in our home and at work. Those closest to us are the ones who need us the most and are impacted most frequently when we are not at our best—depleted and defeated.
Build what you need inside of you first and then you can give to others in a significant way that is sustainable for you and beneficial to them.
It starts with a building block of self-care to bring balance to life. Some self-care activities might already be part of your routine, such as eating regular meals, enjoying a hobby, or spending time with friends. Self-care activities should be implemented in all areas for physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and professional health.
The balance of life must include self-care.
According to the experts, during periods of stress, self-care often takes a back seat to self-care and can lead to other serious health issues. Let’s make a change today.
Here are some basic sample questions you can ask yourself to assess where you are in the moment.
- Do you take time to exercise regularly? (physical)
- Do you express your feelings in a healthy way by journaling thoughts, having meaningful conversations, creating art? (emotional)
- Do you ask others for help when needed? (social)
- Keep in touch with old friends? (social)
- Set time aside for thoughts and reflection? (spiritual)
- Maintain work-life-balance? (professional)
For a complete, free assessment, fill out the contact me form and I will be happy to give you the assessment and provide feedback. You are worth it!
