These days, we understand that there is a link between stress and many illnesses. Most of us think it’s “normal” to be in a constant state of stress. We don’t know how to manage our symptoms, so we bury our stressful emotions hoping nobody will notice.
Stress can lower our immune system, increase inflammation, and destroy the brain cells responsible for memory. This is because when we’re chronically stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, a hormone directly linked to causing cell damage. Incorporating stress-reducing tools day to day increases our quality of life, and that should be a top priority!
But self-care care can often feel like a chore—just another item on your list you have to tackle. If you feel that way, know that you aren’t alone and that there is a way to make a commitment to yourself without feeling overwhelmed.
Why Does Self-Care Sometimes Feel Like a Chore?
If you are in a state of mental overwhelm, exhaustion, and often putting others’ needs before your own, self-care may feel like another overwhelming task you have no time for.
But you are not a to-do task. Your precious life is experienced through your body and self-care is one of the most incredible things you can do, not just for yourself but for others. When you empower yourself, you’ll have greater strength, energy, and desire to share your gifts with the people around you.
Here are a few simple practices you can implement into your day-to-day to make self-care your friend.
Shift to a Positive Mindset
Here’s an exercise: Place a journal or notepad beside your bed. At the top of the page write in big letters: “AGREEMENT: Today, I give myself permission to prioritize myself. I am worthy of happiness and I will commit to taking small daily steps forward”.
Sign it and read it aloud 3 times before you sleep every night.
Shifting our autopilot mindset begins with observing the way we talk to ourselves throughout the day. Take note of any negative self-talk. This practice involves mindfulness, and is something simple and effective you can do daily.
Sometimes, we are our own remedy. Learning to give yourself soothing words of support in difficult situations is a powerful form of self-care we often take for granted. But we have a lot more inner power than we realize. By naming your struggles and feelings, you can tame them.
Check In With Your Body
The only way to stay in tune with your feelings is to pause and observe how your body is reacting to these feelings. Behind every feeling is a need. While feelings aren’t always facts, they’re important, valuable and valid. They can be messengers from your intuition or your body, and it won’t serve you to dismiss them or shame them.
Practice talking with yourself from a loving and compassionate place. In the morning and before bed, place your hand on your heart and take three slow breaths. Say an affirmation or prayer to keep yourself calm and grounded.
Throughout the day, whenever you feel negative emotions coming on, pause and ask yourself: What am I feeling and what do I need? Even listening is all that is needed to make a difference.
Seek Support When You Need It
We can’t help others from a place of emptiness. We must learn to fill our empty well back up. Figure out what nourishes you so you truly experience self-care. The key is to be consistent and prioritize yourself with a few simple daily habits:
- Set alarms throughout the day as a reminder
- Book times in your calendar as “nourishment”
- Post affirmations throughout your space
- Smile at yourself in the mirror
Self-care is a unique journey for everyone, and it’s OK to be patient with yourself and keep trying a few different practices and exercises till you find the ones that feel the most natural to you.
In my upcoming free workshop, “3 easy steps – The Bridge Towards Self Care”, I’ll be sharing tools and methods to help you with the first steps towards self-care and incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine.
This workshop offers simple practices geared towards those who struggle to make self-care a part of their lives, whether you are a busy entrepreneur just trying to tackle your to-do list, or someone experiencing caregiver burnout and or overwhelm.
This will be a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
Email me at: Lianne at LianneWessner dot com to be notified of the workshop details.
