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Prioritizing Self-Care? You're SO Selfish!

Writer's picture: Anna LangAnna Lang


Let's start with a bold statement: Your capacity to handle the ups and downs of life is DIRECTLY impacted by the care you give yourself, your body, and your mind. 

When you become so run down that your health is 'mandatory,' you may have already done some long-term damage. It may still be reversible or minimized, however, you will have likely put yourself out of the race you are running for FAR longer than the time self-care would have taken in the first place.


Why Do We Do This to Ourselves?
There are a few common reasons why we neglect self-care:

Overcommitment: We often take on too many responsibilities, believing we can handle it all. This can lead to burnout and neglect of our own needs.

Fear of Being Seen as Weak: There's a stigma around taking breaks and prioritizing self-care, often viewed as a sign of weakness or laziness. We push ourselves to avoid this perception.

Lack of Self-Worth: Sometimes, we don't feel worthy of care and attention. This can stem from low self-esteem or past experiences that have made us feel undeserving.

Perfectionism: The drive to be perfect in every aspect of life can make it difficult to take time for self-care. We might feel that unless everything is perfect, we can't take a break.

Misunderstanding of Priorities: We might not realize that taking care of ourselves is a critical part of being able to take care of others and perform well in our roles.

Cultural Conditioning: In many cultures, self-sacrifice is glorified. We're taught to put others' needs before our own, often to our detriment.


How to Catch It Before It Catches You
Check-In Regularly: Make a habit of checking in with yourself. How are you feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally? Journaling or simply taking a few moments of quiet reflection each day can help.

Set Boundaries: Learn to say no. Understand your limits and don't be afraid to set boundaries to protect your time and energy.

Prioritize Rest: Ensure you're getting enough sleep and taking breaks throughout the day. Rest isn't a reward; it's a requirement.

Move Your Body: Regular physical activity can significantly boost your mood and energy levels. It doesn't have to be intense—find something you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.

Nourish Your Body: Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Proper nutrition is foundational to feeling your best.

Mind Your Mind: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other stress-reducing activities. Mental self-care is just as important as physical self-care.


5 Self-Care Concepts Worth Considering:
Walking Batteries: Think of yourself as a walking battery. Everything you encounter each day uses up some of your battery's charge. The more run down or in duress you are, the weaker your battery is and the less able it is to hold a charge. This means you become less capable of dealing with incoming stimuli of any kind. Regular self-care helps keep your battery able to hold a charge for MUCH longer. This means you will be more ready to handle whatever comes your way.

Earthing: Grounding, or “earthing”, involves activities that "ground" or electrically reconnect you to the Earth. This can be as simple as walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil. Some studies suggest that grounding can improve sleep, reduce pain, and decrease stress.

Creative Release: Engaging in creative activities like drawing, painting, writing, or playing an instrument can be a powerful form of self-care. It allows you to express emotions and thoughts that might be hard to verbalize and can be incredibly therapeutic.

Digital Detox: Regularly disconnect from digital devices. The constant influx of information and notifications can drain your mental battery. Set aside time each day to unplug and engage in non-digital activities.

Air Intake: Different from general mindfulness or meditation, breathwork involves specific breathing exercises designed to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Techniques like deep diaphragmatic air intake or alternate nostril breaths can have immediate calming effects.


What to Do If You Suspect (or KNOW) You Are Neglecting Yourself and/or Your Health is Declining
Acknowledge It: The first step is recognizing and admitting that something is wrong. Ignoring it won't make it go away.

Reach Out: Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help you see things more clearly.

Seek Professional Help: If you feel overwhelmed or unable to manage on your own, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists, doctors, and other health professionals are there to support you.

Take Immediate Action: Start with small steps to incorporate self-care into your routine. Even a short walk, a few minutes of deep breathing, or a healthy meal can make a difference.

Plan for the Long Term: Create a sustainable self-care plan. Identify what works for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your life.

Remember, self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. By taking care of yourself, you are better equipped to handle life's challenges and be there for the people you care about. Make self-care a priority, not an afterthought.

You deserve it.

xo

Coach Anna Lang

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If you are struggling with time management, over-commitment, saying no, or prioritizing your needs, please reach out - I have a variety of programs and options available to support you in prioritizing, setting boundaries, clearing your calendar, and clarifying what matters to YOU. Book a FREE 15 minute discovery session here: https://tidycal.com/anna4 or visit www.annalang.ca to check out the the self-guided course options & tools available to you.

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