Begin with Self Care
“To love yourself is the beginning of a life long romance.”
-Oscar Wilde
“Self-care is how you take your power back.”
- Lalah Delia
As the new year begins, countless people set resolutions in the hope that we will begin to transform our lives for the better. Many of us set the bar so high and we are not considering the “why” behind them. The vast majority of us fail with resolutions because they may be unachievable or they are not realistic goals. In fact, the average resolution lasts less than 4 months.
Real lasting change occurs in small steps that we can make on a consistent and daily basis. Committing to a healthy self-care routine can have long term affects on your health and well-being, help manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Regular self-care is a gentle but powerful way to practice the art of self-love. It helps to maintain our dignity, enhance self-confidence and increase joy. From a physical health perspective, self-care can reduce heart disease, risk of stroke and cancer.
Below are a few simple ways to begin self-care and self-love.
1. Committing to drink less alcohol and more water.
2. Eat a salad packed with nutritious vegetables.
3. Taking a daily brisk walk for 20-30 minutes.
4. Eating less sugary and starchy food and more fruits and vegetables.
5. Cooking more at home and eating out less.
6. Spending time reading a favorite book or pursuing a hobby.
7. Giving yourself a hug!!
8. Spending time is prayer, meditation or nature.
9. Book a massage or spa treatment once a month.
Self-care is about practicing and engaging in wellness practices to create a positive, vibrant life and build a foundation of compassion for yourself and others. Self-care is not selfish but is essential to a life well lived.
