You may have a vision and goals. You may see other people in need, and want to do everything you can to help. But if you cannot take care of yourself, your efforts will only proceed so far. September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, and it is a time to reflect on the habits and techniques that you have in place to take care of yourself, and live a more fulfilling life.
When we put others’ well-being in front of our own, we tend to burn out faster. Below are some ways that we can choose to put ourselves first, in order to be able to more consciously have an impact in the world. Some of these methods are simple and may take 5 minutes to complete, while others would involve some planning.
Strategies to Elevate Your Self Care
Journal – It can be something as simple as writing a few sentences down in the morning. It doesn’t need to be overthought. You can simply write what’s on your mind, what you’re feeling, or your plans for the day. Whatever makes sense is best.
Meditate – This doesn’t have to be elaborate, either. It can be done in as little as 10 minutes. There are several different types of meditation, but one of the most common is mindfulness. Find a quiet room, take a seat on the floor, close your eyes, and pay attention to your breath.
Exercise – This can be as simple as taking a walk, or something more intense like a run, weight-lifting, or bodyweight exercises. The idea is to get your heart rate up, and help you to live an active lifestyle.
Do Something that Makes You Happy – You can schedule some time within the week or month to do something that makes you happy. It could be something like taking a small day trip or going to see a movie. Make a conscious effort to break away from the regular routine and do something that puts a smile on your face.
Conclusion
Self-care is a critical part of a happy life, especially if you are aging or managing a disability. This September is the perfect time to evaluate your daily, weekly, and monthly routines to see if there are improvements that can be made within your schedule.
