Its so easy to get stuck in the 9-5 demands of life. Trying to socialise, spend time with family whilst also trying to accomplish goals, meet deadlines and find time for fun. There is literally no time in-between to focus on and take care of yourself, whether that be physically or mentally.
Last year I was in such a negative place. Run of my feet with work, constantly busy and using all my spare time to help out loved ones. My only time for me was eating, sleeping and showering. I was burnt out, miserable and just not in a good place. I felt lost. This is where I came to the realisation that I had to be selfish. I had to be okay with putting myself first and this did not come easy to me.
Where to start? I had to start taking care of myself. I don't mean eating my 5 fruit and vegetables and drinking eight glasses of water . I mean really take care of myself. Take care of my body, my mind and ultimately my soul.
The first thing I started to do was take things slower. On my usual walk to work I would slow down. Put my phone away and just take in my surroundings. I would notice everything around me, the bare trees, frost, litter on the floor, people passing. It was difficult at first, but being more present enabled me to feel more connected with myself and the world.
Secondly I started accepting ( by this I mean just be ok with what's happening, stop pushing and stop planning every small detail of my life) Before I started shall I say this self care journey? I was a planner. I would like every minute of my day planned and If it didn't go to plan I would be frustrated. I wanted it my way. I started slowly letting go of my routine and just let things be. I stopped rushing at full speed and just accepted what was happening. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that comforted me. Now I just roll with it, What happens, happens.
Another thing that helped me was doing something every week that scared me or was out my comfort zone. Life's to short to make excuses of why your not doing this or to worried to do that. Apply for a new job, sing along to music in shopping centres, reach out to somebody, wear the dress everyone but yourself finds ugly. Stop saying your not ready. What's the worse than can happen? You'll look silly, or be rejected. Who cares life is to short and in the end will it really matter. I'm absolutely terrified but one day I will go skydiving and it will feel amazing and horrifying at the same time.
Other self care tips for your body
- Eat healthily - Like I mentioned earlier. Eat your vegetables, drink water. I'm a creature of habit and like to pick 2/3 meal ideas for the week and rotate them eating the same breakfast and lunch most days. I enjoy this it takes the stress away from planning meal after meal and I have more time to enjoy what I do best.
- DANCE - When everything gets to overwhelming I like to put my headphones on turn the music up real loud and dance like nobody's watching. Yes really.
- Meditate - This is literally life changing. I started doing this about a 7 months ago and I will never stop. Taking 20 minutes in a morning and before I go to bed to clear my mind and just be calm really has improved my mental health and wellbeing.
Self care tips for your mind
- Challenge your negativity - Take time out of your day to write down any negative thoughts, doubts or worries. Combat this with what you know is true. Just writing it down and getting it out on paper can really help with letting them negative emotions go. Keep a journal.
- Have a self date - Spend some time alone doing something you enjoy. Go see a movie alone, go to a coffee shop and have a hot chocolate, take a book and emerse yourself into it entirely ( my personal fave)
- Don't restrict yourself due to others - Take what others say as advice not commands. If doing something makes you feel bad your not obligated to do it. You're the only one in control of your body and mind.
The ultimate goal of self care is to maintain good physical and mental health. In doing so we will we have more meaningful relationships with others around us and feel more content with life itself. You will find pleasure in small things and nothing will seem near as difficult as before. By incorporating some of these self care technique's into your life you are guaranteed to see a difference.
Thank you for reading, Stay Safe.
Love Amy x
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