Years ago, my husband and I found a self-help book on CD called

Stand Up for Your Life

by Cheryl Richardson. She talked about what life coaching was, and how she helps people get out of their own way to move forward. One topic she talked about that has stuck with me is the idea of self-care. She talked about being more mindful in how you go about your day. To walk slower. Write slower. Talk slower. To slow down and be intentional. To notice your thoughts and actions throughout the day. To buy yourself flowers. Light a candle and take a soak in the tub. All things to take better care of yourself. For me this is not a natural practice and it takes effort and awareness. Most of the things she talks about don’t take that much extra time. I think I sometimes get in a mindset that I need to put others first. They are more deserving. I put myself last, and then I end up burning out and feeling resentful and exhausted.

We are told, don’t be selfish. We are told to serve and be kind. We are told to get out of ourselves and help others. Yet it seems backwards if it comes at the price of self-neglect. We forget we are also deserving of service, love, support, and kindness. We are expecting it from our external world, when it is our personal job to take really good care of ourselves. Self-care is not selfish. It is empowering ourselves to be better not only for us, but also so we can show up for others in our most present and full selves. It allows us to be more intentional, centered, and calm. We can not be our best selves if we are last on our list. I would encourage you to take the time to find a place each day that is your own space to reconnect with yourself. Find out again what you love. What lights you up. What is it you like to do? And what would put a smile on your face? As you go about your day, find space to just be and notice what is happening, your thoughts, and reactions. Look for ways to slow down. As a gift to yourself, breathe and find space. Ground down into what is real. You are loved, you are whole, and you are supported on all sides. Take really good care of you. You are deserving of love and care.

Here are some ideas to get you started. In taking better care of you, you are also able to be more for those who need you and love you. 

1. Nourish your body with good healthy food

2. Walk slower

3. Talk slower

4. Write slower

5. Drive slower

6. Eat slower

7. Take a bubble bath and light a candle

8. Use a diffuser with your favorite sent

9. Go for a walk outside and enjoy nature

10. Make your favorite cup of tea or coffee

11. Meditate

12. Breathe in and out slowly

13. Exercise and move your body

14. Take a nap

15. Buy flowers for yourself

16. Get a massage

17. Say 'no' when you need to

18. Make good sleep a priority

19. Get a haircut

20. Take a break from social media

21. Connect with a friend with a text of appreciation

22. Have a lunch date with an uplifting friend

23. Read a good book

24. Listen to an uplifting podcast

25. Calendar out large tasks

26. Keep agreements with yourself and others

27. Have a morning routine

28. Smile more (try it!)

29. Learn something new

30. Ask for help

There are many more things you could do to take care of yourself. If you need more ideas, there are many websites on the topic. Just know you are not alone and you can do it. Having a daily self-care routine will put you in the right mindset to tackle any problem that comes your way in a centered, more focused and generous way. And who doesn’t want that?