Prioritize Your Wellbeing and Shine!

I used to put myself at the bottom of the list if my needs were even considered. I did it for everyone else in my life, putting their needs, wants, and desires ahead of mine, and it ended up making me feel resentful, exhausted, and sick.

Growing up and entering the workforce in the 70s and 80s, the culture was that a woman could “have and do it all.” You pushed, pushed, pushed to have the life you wanted by doing it all yourself, never considering how this paradigm was wrong and setting us up for failure.

It was a badge of honor to have a jam-packed schedule and life. We were conditioned to do more, more, more, and it was a recipe for disaster.

A good wife, mother, employee, daughter, sister, and friend was always ready to give to others, even at the expense of her mental, physical, or emotional well-being.

It was the era of “you could bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never let you forget you’re a man.” This conditioning, courtesy of a perfume marketing company that will remain nameless in this article, pretty much summed up the expectations of working women at that time.

I gave so much that I became worn out, depleted, and resentful, and I was literally losing my life force energy because I was extremely anemic. I required intravenous iron treatments to bring my hemoglobin back into a normal range over the course of a couple of years.

Don’t get me wrong; I simply love(d) being a mom, wife, sister, daughter, employee, and friend, but I didn’t know it was okay to love and prioritize myself along the way. I believed that even thinking about my dreams and desires was selfish.

Thank goodness I finally allowed myself to care for and love myself. I’m so grateful that self-care is being normalized and is at the forefront in our culture.

I’m sharing my story so that you don’t have to learn the hard way, as I did about the importance of self-care.

Those days of being an over-giver are over. I’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a way to honor the precious gift of my life. Now, I prioritize self-care, and by doing so, I’m reclaiming my power.

I have more space, energy, and vibrancy by taking excellent care of myself. The better I care for myself, the better my relationships with others will be. It’s a beautiful upward spiral.

Self-care is way more than just an occasional massage or bubble bath, although both are great ways to care for yourself.

I want to invite you to think about caring for yourself on an ongoing, regular basis; it’s so empowering.

Prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining overall well-being and managing stress. Here are some practical ways to help you “fill your cup” and integrate self-care into your daily life:

1. Schedule It: Like any other important activity, block out time for self-care on your calendar. Treat it as a non-negotiable appointment. Even a few minutes of self-care can make a huge difference in the trajectory of your day.
2. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to activities or commitments that drain your energy. Protect your time and space for self-care.
3. Start Small: Begin with small, manageable activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Gradually incorporate more as you become more consistent.
4. Create a Routine: Establish a daily or weekly self-care routine. Whether it’s a morning meditation, a weekly yoga class, or a nightly bath, consistency helps make self-care a habit.
5. Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness practices or meditation into your routine to help reduce stress and increase awareness of your needs.
6. Move Your Body: Engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy, whether walking, dancing, yoga, or any other form of exercise.
7. Fuel Yourself: Nourish your body with healthy, balanced meals. Plan and prepare meals in advance to ensure you’re eating well.
8. Sleep Well: Prioritize getting enough quality sleep. Establish a calming bedtime routine and create a restful sleep environment.
9. Unplug: Take regular breaks from technology and social media to reduce overstimulation and mental fatigue.
10. Hobbies and Interests: Make time for activities and hobbies that you are passionate about and that bring you joy.
11. Social Connections: Spend time with loved ones who uplift and support you. Strong social connections are vital for emotional well-being.
12. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Recognize and accept your imperfections, and treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend or loved one.
13. Journal: Keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Writing can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and gain insight.
14. Enjoy Nature: Spend time outdoors in nature. The fresh air and natural surroundings can be incredibly rejuvenating.
15. Gratitude Practice: Incorporate a daily gratitude practice to focus on the positive aspects of your life and cultivate a sense of appreciation.

Integrating these strategies into your life can create a sustainable self-care practice that enhances your overall well-being. Even 15 minutes of self-care makes a huge difference in the trajectory of your day.

You are worthy and deserving of this excellent care. Who else will if you don’t treat yourself with the utmost love, respect, and kindness?

By doing this, you are empowering yourself and using self-care and self-love as a tool to make the world a better place. You will be a happier, healthier, and healed human—a veritable contagion for good.

By prioritizing your self-care, you will be a great example to others and encourage them to consider the importance of self-care and self-love in their lives as well.

Your light will shine on all those you contact. You will be a beacon of love and light in a world desperate for it, especially now.

Consider it a legacy of goodness you bestow upon your friends, family, and those in your circle.

I like to remind folks on social media and in my email, Love Letters, to treat themselves to regular self-care. For example, Saturday or Sunday could be your regular self-care day.

Finding time for self-care in a busy life can be challenging, but it’s crucial for maintaining your well-being. Prioritize YOU, dear heart. It will bless every area of your life.

Get your Self-Care Strategies PDF booklet, which includes ways to begin or enhance your self-care routine. It’s my gift to you, and it includes affirmation cards and a word search puzzle, too. Sign up HERE.

If you’d like to map out a personalized self-care plan, prioritize your well-being further with a 1:1 session with Janette. Find out more HERE.

Connect with Janette on The Wellness Universe.

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