Are you like me and feel the HOPE that Springtime brings?
I love this time of year... I love the blooms that start to pop out and the warmer weather.... I am all about tank tops and Chacos. And Self Care. :)
I often get this question: How do I better take care of myself in the busy?
Do you feel this???
As a busy mom and business owner, I used to pay attention to everyone else BUT me. I mean, kids need my attention. My husband has no idea where to find that tool. Then the cat needs fed. And before I know it, the day is over. My time is gone.
So, when do I fit in time for self care?!
Well, I have learned that little things I can add into what I am already doing is key! Here are my top tips to add into your routine with the time you have!
1. Sleep. Yeah... I know. Let's start out with this one. It is probably the most tricky but also one of the most important. We truly need 7-9 hours. We might be able to survive on 4, but really. Let's function better and we can be healthier and have more fun when we sleep better. Prioritizing sleep is super important to manage mood, our immune system and so much more. Problem solving ways to sleep better goes a long way. Problem solve ways to sleep! Are you waking up a lot? Maybe it is diet or stress keeping you up. Are you struggling to get to bed? What can you adjust to make sleep happen sooner? Small tweaks can be powerful!
2. Water. This is as important as Sleep! Water helps our sleep, our organs function better, our digestion, our skin... We have more energy! The average person only drinks 8 ounces a day, while 64 ounces is the average recommendation! Really! Only 8 OUNCES!? Our morning cups of coffee are often 12 or 16.... So increasing you water intake will take you far!
3. Diet. Working on more vegetables and fruits. And of course, I eat better when I sleep better so... Being an example to our families is also important so it is a great way to learn and teach as well. Small changes go far!
4. Movement. Walks. Body weight movements. Stretching. Anything you can do, do it! It helps our bodies flush toxins out, keeps the lymph moving and helps our bones and muscles. This area is another one that might feel overwhelming but just getting up to shift your body, taking small walks, incorporating your kids or husband are all easy ways to add in more movement. Even dancing in the kitchen is better than nothing! Make it fun and pull in those around you!
5. Taking breaks throughout your day. If you are taking breaks to grab water or add in some movement, that is EASY, right?! Well maybe! Even that quick Facebook scroll can be a positive to our brains when we are busy. Set a timer and allow 5-15 minutes each hour to disengage and do something!
6. Meditation, prayer, mindfulness. Whether you are in the shower, lying in bed or taking that walk.
7. Breathing. I take time to breathe anytime I am in the shower, driving in the car, lying in bed, getting ready to sleep. Working on taking deep breathes to nourish my body and brain. Breathing is important to calm emotions as well. And, of course, I always notices bodily tension that needs attention when I am taking time to breath!
I spoke on this in my FREE facebook group HERE.
What are your top SELF CARE tips that I did not cover? What are your challenges with Self Care?
Oh... and stay tuned... I have more fun stuff that I am working on behind the scenes!!! I cannot wait to share more with you! :) Where is YOUR line?
You know.. the line that you set to let people know what is ok or not ok. Yes, I mean your BOUNDARY.
Have you heard much about boundaries before? Boundaries are something that often comes up in therapy sessions and people often don't seem to know much about them.
Boundaries can be identified as imaginary lines that are set. They may be imaginary but they are very real! Think of your "bubble" or space. Different people can move into your space where other people you need at an arm's length.. or longer! When you know your comfort level, it is easier to set the boundary of what you need.
Boundaries are a form of self care. They help us to build comfort and trust. If you are finding people are constantly annoying, frustrating, exhausting or taking advantage of us, there is likely a boundary that is not on place.
Sometimes those "lines" are not clearly stated. Sometimes others push and we don't enforce those lines. Either way, we know that something is off when we feel irritation. Boundaries help US create trust and safety.
If other people are NOT liking the boundaries you set, that is a reflection of them. Do they not respect you? Do they tend to get what they want if they violate your boundary? Or do you feel fear or some other emotion around the boundary you set? Sometimes we might be fearful that a person will respond in a way that will be uncomfortable- either for them or for ourselves. We might fear a loss of relationship or creating disappointment.
However, when we keep in alignment with God and His word and who He says we are, we MUST look at boundaries and being faithful in setting boundaries. Boundaries are healthy and establish safety.
How are YOU with boundaries? Did you grow up setting boundaries? Or are boundaries a new concept for you?
Remember, if there is a discomfort around a boundary, it may not be clear enough. For you, and likely not the person or situation that boundary is for. It can take some practice and adjustment to find what works but setting good boundaries is self-care and can be empowering, not to mention life-giving!
