I feel like a broken record, because I always say this but…Self-care is a daily practice. There is no other way to feel our best than to each and every day do our best to care for ourselves through the practices that work optimally for our bodies and lifestyle.
Diets are short-term. Willpower doesn’t last forever. Getting on the latest, greatest exercise bandwagon isn’t sustainable. What is sustainable is to let go of what I like to call, the “All or Nothing” game.
The “All or Nothing” game looks like this. We decide to make healthier food choices and then one stressed out afternoon we eat a bag of chips or candy bar. Then we throw in the self-care towel and eat poorly the rest of the day while deciding to start over with our healthy food choices…the next day, or week, or month. Another example is when our plans fall through to go to our favorite exercise class. Something important comes up with the kids and we end up not going. Next thing you know…a week or month has passed by and we are criticizing ourselves for not exercising anymore. This is the “All or Nothing” game.
When we let go of this game, we know that we can eat the chips or candy bar in the afternoon and still have a healthful dinner. We can miss our exercise class, but take a 15 minute walk or do 10 minutes of yoga before we go to bed.
Self-care is a daily practice. It is moment by moment doing the best we can under ANY circumstance and recognizing that we don’t have to make “All or Nothing” decisions. In fact, it is far more balanced and healthy to take it one simple choice at a time. The highs and lows become less extreme and we begin to experience a healthful inner and outer equilibrium.
What self-care activity feels most nourishing and supportive of you today? It might be taking a walk, taking an afternoon nap, or cooking a pot of delicious and healthful soup for dinner. While self-care habits do include the food choices we make and the exercise we engage in…there are ALL types of ways we take care of ourselves. Don’t push yourself to do something that doesn’t feel right. Check in with your body, your feelings, your Soul and listen to what is being communicated. Pay attention to any fatigue, aches, or emotions that are present and then respond accordingly. When we tune into ourselves and release the “All or Nothing” game…we are practicing loving self-care.
Let me know what loving self-care habit you will be engaging in today!
And…if you would like to hear some additional tips, suggestions, and wisdom for how we can love and care for ourselves even more…because the more we love ourselves…the more love we have to share with others…please join the Ease & Grace Circle no-cost phone seminar Learning to Love Yourself with Ease & Grace next Sunday, 3/2 from 7-8pm (PST).
You can sign up by going to http://www.easeandgracecircle.com/
The call will be recorded so even if you can’t join in at that time, we will send you the recording afterwards!
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