The modern world is a manic place, juggling family life with work, keeping on top of the housework, the endless barrage of paperwork, not to mention keeping up to date with technology! There are so many things that demand our time and attention. And very often it leaves very little time for getting our own needs met.
But, putting ourselves second serves no one as it can lead to burnout and ill health. In fact, you could say that not looking after yourself is actually irresponsible. Taking care of yourself benefits not only you, but also everyone around you. You will be a better mother/father, daughter/son, friend or colleague when you make time to get your own needs met on a regular basis.
So ask yourself... 'How am I neglecting my own needs right now?'
Try these five simple steps to implementing a personal self care plan into your life.
Take time alone.
Whilst different people have varying degrees of introversion and extroversion, having time alone is so important. It's your opportunity to retreat from the noisy world, albeit for a few minutes a day. Create just a few moments of silence in your day and you will notice very quickly that you will become a much more peaceful and calm person. Silence is a wonderful healer as it allows our mind the space to reflect, to think and to find solutions to our problems. Creating just a little bit of silence in your day can create miracles in your life. Action: Try listening to a short relaxation or meditation audio for five minutes a day for the next two weeks.
Create an appointment with yourself.
Each week make an appointment with yourself. Write it in your diary and give it the same importance you would a dental appointment or a meeting at work. You are just as important! Each week decide what you'd like to do, maybe take yourself out for lunch, take a walk in nature, go shopping or just curl up on the sofa with a good book. Action: Get into the routine of giving yourself this precious time each week and let nothing get in the way. Get your diary out right now and make an appointment with yourself!
The power of sleep.
Are you getting enough zeds or are you among the many millions who unwittingly shortchange themselves on sleep each night. Sleep is vital to our wellbeing and not getting enough quickly leads to burnout. It makes us moody, it affects our memory and ability to think straight and it weakens our immune system. Not getting enough sleep is futile to your vitality. Action: Make sure you're getting your full quota and if not, set two evenings a week where you have an early night. It will make all the difference.
Look after your body.
The simple fact is this; if you don't look after your body you will have nowhere to live! Fill up your fuel tank so that you have the energy to live your life to the full.
Action: Take time to moisturise your skin, get your hair cut often, eat fresh fruit and veg, take an exercise class or have a regular healing treatment. Keep your body strong and healthy. Remember, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind.
Buy yourself a gift each month.
Each month put a little money aside to buy yourself something nice - a bunch of flowers, some new shoes, a new lipstick or a fancy new cushion. Don't wait for someone else to treat you (you might be waiting a while), make it a priority to treat yourself every month! Retail therapy can be good for us as it releases those mood-lifting endorphins. So don't deprive yourself, buy yourself something each month guilt free and enjoy it! Action: Set up a savings pot and when you get paid transfer an amount (however big or small) over automatically. Each month you must spend this money on yourself!
Louise Presley-Turner is a Personal Growth Expert and Author of two books. Louise's unique style of coaching has produced some amazing results, helping people to define their goals and turn their lives around with amazing success. Get your FREE life evaluator and life planner now at www.thegameoflife.co.uk