Self-care, selfish? Is this still a thing?
Hope not. It's time to stop glorifying busyness as something to aspire to, especially if that's the excuse for not practicing some sort of self-care. There's no gold star waiting for you when you don't take time for yourself.
The reason it's called "self-care"...you have to own and manage it.
What does this have to do with growing your confidence? Plenty.
It's been said that self-care can:
improve your physical health
reduce stress and anxiety
promote self-awareness
increase resilience
All things that, in the long run, can boost your confidence!
When you put your own health and happiness first, you're able to bring the best out in others too. Kind of like putting your oxygen mask on first. When you're feeling cared for, you're more likely to feel better and when you feel better, you are far more likely to feel confident.
Although self-care is not one-size-fits-all, when I checked in with some of my connections, family, and friends, the common denominator seemed to be listening to and respecting the messages your body gives you. We live in a society that values what people think, yet there's infinite intelligence and 'knowing' within your own skin if you get quiet and pay attention to it.
No matter how you define self-care it's ultimately noticing how you show up when you make sure that you're doing something that nurtures you. Maybe you feel lighter, or you stand a little taller, feel a bit more peaceful, or carry yourself differently...feeling better will automatically help you to feel more confident
Do you know what else is cool? When you take care of yourself, you are also benefiting others!
Want to incorporate more self-care into your life?
Let's get to it...
Your challenge...
Commit to one act of self-care daily. If this seems daunting, here are some suggestions from a small, unscientific survey on self-care that I did:
Listen to your body. Your body has so much intelligence if you learn to listen to the whispers it gives you:
Rest when it tells you to. Take a nap. Go to bed early.
Move when it tells you to. Hike, walk, do yoga, work out - whatever your body asks for - pay attention.
Nurture your body. Get a massage, physio, have a bubble bath, or a manicure.
Savour some solitude.
Find a quiet space with a good book and read for the sheer pleasure of it.
Meditate.
Sit in nature.
Connect.
First and foremost, connect with yourself.
Connect with those who are important to you, go for a coffee, have dinner together, or use the many forms of technology available.
With your universe, God, source, spirit guide, or whatever resonates for you.
Your turn...
Take a moment now to think of something you currently do or maybe something you've been meaning to do as an act of self-care. How often are you doing it?
Self-care starts with YOU! When you take time to nurture yourself, whatever that may mean for you, you're going to notice a change in how you feel about yourself and your confidence will grow.
If you're ready to start growing your confidence Contact me You have all of the skills, strengths, and capabilities you need. Let’s work together and reconnect you with them!
Warmly,
Ann
Self-care…selfish? Bull Sh*t!