Mum, sister, grandmother, wife, auntie, colleague, daughter, boss, sports coach, or friend…
As a woman, you have a lot of titles and obligations. You have to show up for your people and provide for your loved ones. It is tricky to find a balance between all your responsibilities, and usually the last thing on the agenda is caring for yourself.
When it comes to ‘self-care,’ this can sometimes end up being more of a buzzword that gets thrown around which welcomes a sweet treat, a few uninterrupted minutes, or maybe even a rare night off from parenting! Self-care in its truest form is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as, “The practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.”
Self-care should be done regularly and mindfully. It needs to be sustainable, allowing you to create moments every day, week, or month with a goal of internal nourishment. It doesn’t have to be big or take a lot of time – small habits can build up to being healthier and more joyful.
Here are some ways you can add meaningful self-care to your daily life:
1. Be compassionate
Speak to yourself in the way you would speak to someone you love. Notice when you speak negatively to or about yourself and find ways to eliminate it.
2. Nourish a healthy body
Break negative eating patterns like binge eating, undereating, or consuming too much junk food. Make good choices through controlling your environment by keeping healthy snacks handy and planning meals. Choose meals and snacks that will keep you energised and sustained.
Nourishment also refers to the nutrients you put into your body. If you don’t have enough energy, want to sleep better, get sick often, have unhealthy skin, or suffer from food intolerances, the right nutritional supplements will help to bring your body back into balance. Talk to the health specialists at your local Health 2000 store to find the best options to add to your daily routine.
3. Get enough sleep
This is easier said than done, especially when you have a lot going on! Kids, work, household duties and social obligations can all affect how much restful sleep you get each night. Because a lack of sleep has a domino effect on so many aspects of health (focus, immunity, mood and even physical safety), getting into bed on time each night needs to sit higher on your priority list.
4. Reflect
Gratitude journals, meditation and daily walks are great tools to help you keep sight of positivity and focus on what you’re thankful for. They can reframe your day, helping you to see situations or people through a different lens.
Regular time out from the hustle of your day can help reduce stress and gives you a set time to reflect, relax and regroup. Schedule it into your day and let those around you know you’re occupied, then enjoy the peaceful, uninterrupted quiet time – bliss!
