Self-care: for the busy person
Self-care to me is more than drinking Acai smoothies, beach days and short term getaways. I often hear a lot of people going through life hanging onto the hope that a next holiday or adventure is what will make them feel better. The truth is, you will go on that holiday, feel good, come back, then go straight back to your reality which results in feeling how you were before the break. This is not ideal at all.
True self-care needs to be practised everyday. We need to look deeper and start making changes that make our lives more abundant. We need to stop relying on short term fixes in order to have our minds and bodies in check. So... let’s help look after YOU better!
Sleep
You should be getting about 8 hours of quality sleep in a consistent and comfortable environment. Body temperature is key to good quality sleep and even scientific studies have proven that the average temperature in your bedroom should be 19 Degrees Celsius. Without sleep we become foggy-minded, stressed and this can even lead to becoming overweight. Sleep isn’t something you want to compromise, and if you struggle with it regularly, please consult your doctor and dig a little deeper into the reasons. We all need good sleep!
Food & Water
Eat the right fuel and stay hydrated. The main reason why week long health retreats make you feel so damn good is because you mentally switch off, but also because you eat so much better! If you eat well and keep your fluids up you will have an abundance of energy and be able to achieve so much more in your day. A proper diet goes so far in helping you with your energy levels, mental clarity and overall motivation levels.
Training
Move your body! Whether it's dedicated time to play with your kids, going for a walk with friends, waking up earlier and doing a 5am training session - schedule in the time and make it happen. The endorphins, mental clarity and the health benefits are all part of ensuring self-care in your routine. If time is what you struggle with, then join our virtual training so you don’t always need to drive to make it happen!
Vitamin D
Save your work, close the computer and take 20 minutes from your day to get outside for some much needed sun (even during winter). When your Vitamin D levels increase, so does your calcium and this helps with overall bone, teeth and muscle health. Having a 20 minute break will also help you refocus and tackle the rest of the day!
Laugh more
“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.” Audrey Hepburn.
Laughing helps us to connect with people, it soothes tension, improves your immune system, stimulates organs & endorphins, improves blood flow and helps burn calories. Why not have a yarn with your work colleagues, call up your best friend or watch a funny movie?! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s have a laugh!
Fill up your cup of inspiration
Everyone has a cup of inspiration inside of them, this cup will either be full, or on its way to empty in any given week. We all have a limit on how much we can take and how much we can give. It’s important to realise this, and allow time to refill our cups of inspiration so we can move forward again. This can be done by allowing one day a week to 100% completely switch off from work, business, stress, sport, media or whatever you are doing to help recharge the batteries. It's important to spend that day doing fun things, focusing on a hobby, spending time with friends or family or simply going for a good walk.
So now I leave it to you. How are you looking after yourself?
Also in The F Word
The importance of sleep
Keep motivated during the holidays
Summer is here. The weather has changed, the sun is out for longer, party planning is in full swing, and we are excited for the holiday season to begin. It’s very easy during the last few months of the year to fall into the mistake of neglecting your training and healthy eating habits because there is alot going on. You still need to worry about you and how you manage your time, training and eating habits during this time.
Steven D'Onofrio
Author