Self-care is the buzzword on the streets these days. However, self-care is more than shopping sprees and spa days.

What does it mean to practice self-care? Why is it important?

Self-care is NOT selfish! Your mental and emotional health depends on you to prioritize self-care in your life. A lack of self-care leads to irritability, mood instability, sleep pattern disruptions, lack of focus/productivity, weight fluctuations, feelings of overwhelm, and increased stress. Persistent stress increases your risk of depression and anxiety. It weakens your immune system and causes you to get sick more frequently. Who knew that a lack of self-care resulted in all of this?

 

As mentioned earlier, self-care gets much deeper than spa days. Here are 3 often overlooked ways to practice self-care:

  1. Just say “NO!” – Practicing self-care means that you aren’t doing all the things for all the people all the time. It’s okay to say “no” to things you don’t genuinely want to do. You’re not required to explain, either.
  2. Establish boundaries! – EVERYBODY in your life needs some level of boundaries. Don’t allow others to mistreat you, nor use you. Don’t allow others to play on your emotions in order to guilt-trip you into doing something. (That’s a form of manipulative emotional abuse, by the way.)
  3. Heal past negative experiences! – It’s crucial that you acknowledge the emotions and subconscious effects that your past experiences have on your present behaviors and sense self-worth. Don’t be afraid to forgive and seek therapy, if needed.

 

Katie Reed said it best: “Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you.” Define what self-care looks like for you, and don’t feel bad about putting yourself first. Use the tips above, and check out the video series on “The Ugly Truth About Self-Care” at www.bit.ly/sc3series.

About the author: Lindsey Vertner is an award-winning personal development coach & speaker. She teaches female entrepreneurs and ambitious leaders on how to master their mindset and increase their self-care, self-worth, & self-discipline. Connect with her www.LindseyVertner.com

Featured in Courageous Woman Magazine, October 2020

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