I recently got back from a very necessary weekend getaway in Whistler. Despite my line of work and my lifestyle which are both built around health and wellness, my cup was admittedly getting pretty empty.
I was sitting in the hot tub at the Spa [pretty luxurious] when I noticed a sign on the wall. It said: Lifeguard not on duty, practice your own self care. I smiled. Who needs a lifeguard in a hot tub, I thought?
But I kept thinking about it. A lifeguard’s duty is to maintain consistent surveillance of patrons in the area they are responsible for. A lifeguard possesses skills in scanning, observing and assessing areas with lots of activity and dangerous situations. He/she oversees the safety of the patrons and is ready to act swiftly and appropriately in case of an emergency.
It dawned on me. I am the lifeguard on duty in my own life.
Here are five self care strategies and affirmations to help keep you buoyant and in your flow:
Develop a daily ritual of mindfulness
Mindfulness is bringing your attention to what is happening in the present moment and can be practiced in a variety of ways. This can be in the form of seated meditation, mindful eating or preparing of food, walking, breathing or listening. Setting a timer to hold the container for this practice and engaging in present moment awareness daily is a rich experience that assists in regulating the nervous system and also develops self awareness & intimacy.
Affirmation: The space and clarity I experience from my mindfulness practice is an elixir of wellness for my mind and body.
Move your body
Human beings need to move. It is good for all the systems that make up the living organism that is YOU. Whether you are very able bodied or more restricted in your physical form, there is a type of movement out there for you. Check in with yourself and pick what you can and want to do. Run, walk, stretch, lift, push, pull, ride, swim; move it. Any exercise or mobilization done with consistency, care and self respect is bound for positive results.
Affirmation: When I move my body I connect to it, I improve my mood and I preserve my health.
Say no
Powerful no’s lead to powerful yes’s. Be kind and graceful in your approach to saying NO as you practice building a tolerance to the feeling of disappointing others. Putting other’s needs above your own will only end up disappointing and harming you in the end. Be unapologetic about the choices you make and boundaries you set around your self care.
Affirmation: When I say no to others to practice self care, I fill my cup and enable myself to share with others from an abundant place.
Plan a self care vacation
You are worthy of leisure and down time. The daily self care practices are good maintenance but the vacations or getaways are the equivalent of “tune ups” for a car. They are necessary. Either solo or in good company, taking time away from your daily life is good practice in perspective and restoration. Less screen time, more nature and fresh air and maybe even no alarm clocks and tight itineraries. When they are given enough time and space, the body and mind begin to relax and surrender more deeply. There are often fears or beliefs that delay us from doing these good things for ourselves. But creating the appropriate journey that meets your needs and your means is always possible.
Affirmation: I give myself permission to take time off so I can experience a renewal in my perspective and give myself the rest I need to recharge.
Clean it up
This one doesn’t sound as exhilarating as the ones above but is incredibly important. Cleaning house and taking care of “business” can take the form of literally cleaning your apartment, paying your bills, or creating a budget. Creating a clean uncluttered space to live in can soothe your soul. Having a system to pay bills on time and decrease your debts will alleviate the stress chipping away at your nerves.
Working through the dirt and the muck is not easy, but usually results in a transformative learning experience and a sense of renewed clarity.
I take a deep breath and find the courage to clean up the areas of my life that need it the most. By doing so I am benefiting my body and I am an active participant in creating my best life.
Final thoughts
Your life is happening now. Don’t wait for your body or mind to break down to begin doing these things for yourself. Make use of your own inner lifeguard to scan the danger zones and remedy them before they become emergencies. The daily wear and tear is real; having your own back will support your motion forward.
Begin each day by asking yourself: What is one thing I can do today to care for myself?
Self care IS THAT important. Our mental, physical and emotional health depend on it and our lives suffer from the lack of it. It’s time to dive into caring for yourself. And trust that you will not let yourself sink.
Affirmation: I am aware that self care is not selfish. Now is the time to show myself the love and the care I need and deserve so I can thrive in my life.
