5 steps to loving yourself
Be kind to yourself
With the end of the year and all it’s inherent craziness looming, now is a good time to remind ourselves to take time out and look after no. 1.
I know this might sound self centred and selfish, but if you don’t feel well, get sick or just overwhelmed, you’re no use to anyone else – family, friends or colleagues.
So, here are my 5 tips for self-care
1 – appreciate what you have
2 – accept the things you can’t change
3 – do something you enjoy
4 – nourish your body with good food
5 – move your body
1 – Gratitude
Appreciate what you have
Every day!
Try this exercise –
Every morning grab yourself a journal and write down 5 things you are grateful for. It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Quite often for me it’s a cup of coffee enjoyed in the early morning peace before the family wakes up. It could be a beautiful sunrise or a new plant flowering in your garden. A great workout can also start my day on a high.
Many of us live fairly privileged lives compared to other parts of our own country. It’s so easy to get caught up in the everyday stresses and we all have to face tough times but appreciating something like a rainbow or a great workout can help ease the journey.
2 – accept the things you can’t change
As I keep telling my children when they complain about something:
Can you change the situation?
if the answer is YES, well then change it
if the answer is NO, then you need to find a way to live with it or find an alternative.
Either way, there’s no point stressing about things you can’t change.
3 – do something you enjoy
We are often so busy caring for others that we forget about ourselves.
What do you enjoy? Make time to do it, everyday if you can.
One client recently signed up for a woodwork course which is loving.
Another friend gets up super early on a Sunday morning to head to the beach for a run and swim.
Whether it’s finding half an hour to sit and read a book or go for a bush walk, do some craft or gardening, make a commitment to yourself that you will do something for YOU
4 – nourish your body with good food
Ah, we all know about this but how often do we succumb to stress and eat more chocolate than we planned or have an extra glass of wine?
Whilst I’m all for the odd indulgence, moderation is the key.
Try the 80/20 rule – eat fresh, in season, colourful fruit, veg and some good protein 80% of the time and have a treat 20% of the time.
For in-season produce, check out http://seasonalfoodguide.com/
5 – move your body
mmm, we know this one too. Some days it’s tough to stick to a routine, but if we wait until we feel like exercising, most of us won’t do it.
As with most things in life, it’s 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration.
In other words, just do it.
Some tips to keep you on track:
- find something you enjoy doing
- try something new
- workout with a buddy (peer pressure can be a great thing)
- enlist some help
check out my timetable for some fun, varied, outdoor workouts including circuits, body weight training, Pilates, boxing and Barre Attack
Remember