Incorporating Self into Your Lifestyle

Self-care and self-love can seem like two buzz words synonymous now with bubble baths and everything being kumbaya, making it seem like something trivial or impossible to attain. However, I see self-care/love as essential. I use these terms interchangeable because I think you need to give yourself the love you give to others and deserve, and you wouldn't do that if you don't care. It's our own jobs to take care of ourselves as much as we take care of others. If you're anything like me, you might find yourself on every committee, taking on leadership roles, volunteering and having a variety of jobs-- either for necessity or because you just can't sit still! As a result, I realize I would often neglect my own needs because of my commitment to others. It wasn't until I started reframing my thoughts from "I don't have time" to "This is not a priority for me" that I saw a shift in my own life.

I've learned to be intentional about it, sort of the hard way. I have Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and a lot of the side effects that come with it. For a long time, I would ignore it or delay focusing on it because I didn't want to admit that this was something I struggled with. Until one day, I just couldn't anymore. I had a "come to Jesus" moment with my doctor and decided, I needed to make changes in my life. Not only did I need to start living with a focus around my needs, but I also needed to be intentional about designing the life I wanted to have 5, 10 or 20 years from now.

You may have or may be having your own moment, that has led you to this page, or simply curiosity. So I want to suggest 5 different ways you can practice self-love and incorporate it into your daily routine.

1. Block time on your calendar. I schedule pretty much EVERYTHING, except showers, unless I need to wash my hair :). If it's not on there, it's most likely not happening. Scheduling gives me a sense of control and helps me feel balanced. It allows me to incorporate what works best for me. Be sure to add things like "me time", "movie time" or anything else that brings you joy. I try to do at least one thing a day that's for me, whether it's calling a friend I haven't spoken to in a while, making time for a DIY project or even going to the gym. Take charge of your life and your calendar.

2. Don't say yes right away. This one is a hard one. We get so many requests from people in our lives that we can't help but want to say yes! However, before agreeing to something, take a moment and say "Let me get back to you on that." This allows you to not overcommit yourself in the moment and actually check in to make sure it's something that you can do and also something that you want to invest your time in.

3. Affirm yourself and your abilities daily. You belong wherever you are. You have the ability to thrive and making sure you speak life into yourself is extremely important. I believe that there is the power of life and death in the tongue ( Proverbs 18:21) so I try to speak and/or think as positively as I can to myself and about the things I want.

4. Trust in the magic of beginnings. Get excited about the things that are to come! Be curious and grateful for the opportunity to learn, teach, explore and share. Be sure to spend time doing the things you love and being open to new opportunities. Loving yourself also means being open to new possibilities to incorporate the things you value into your life.

5. Make it a point to eat foods that make you feel good. I really struggle with having breakfast or getting so caught up into a project that I forget to eat. Don't be like me. Feed your body and she will thank you for it. You can't pour from an empty cup!

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope at least one thing resonates with you for your own pursuit of life, love and happiness. If you're a planner and want to plan your self care, you can download my free weekly Self Care Planning Sheet. If you want to challenge yourself to do one self-care activity a day, try my free 30 Day Self-Love Challenge.

#LifeLessons #Selflove #Lifestyle