The importance of self-care a topic that we hear a lot about. It’s one of the most basic things we need. And still most of us don’t know how to do it. Because this crucial skill often isn’t taught to us when we are young. If you’re lucky you had or have a good role model in your life.
If you don’t prioritise yourself how can you expect others to
I see a lot of my clients struggling with self-care. It can effect every area of your life like e.g. eating the wrong foods, falling for the wrong partner and ending up in a job you don’t love. It’s not an easy one to tackle that’s why I want to share some of my experiences on the topic. For a while I thought this self-care topic was an optional thing which I would get to once I had the time for it.
Easy check to see how you do in the area of self-care
For this easy check to see how you do in the area of self-care. Start by drawing 3 sphere which represent the following:
- You
- Family and friends
- Career
For the next 2 weeks put down how you spent your time and which of your qualities you use in the different spheres. I was really good in putting actions and time spent down in the spheres of career and family & friends. However, not so much in the you section. Soon after I found that my peers had this common theme. It’s is easy for us to take care of others and not ourselves.
Putting your oxygen mask on first
It reminded me of an analogy from my trainer who said to me remember what they tell you in the airplane :” Put your own oxygen mask on before helping others with their oxygen mask.” It such a simple yet essential task. If you don’t take care of yourself how can you take care of others.
Taking that to the next level if we don’t respect ourselves enough to take care of our own needs how can we expect others to respect our needs. It’s ok to say no once in a while and it’s ok to go and do something for yourself instead of cleaning the house, doing the dishes and helping your kids with their homework. Go to the spa with your friend and take a day to pamper yourself. If you come back fully recharged you’ll have energy to spare and to help others in your life. This way you will be much happier and be able to maintain it much longer without burning out.
Through coaching I discovered that if you take care of yourself you create a solid foundation on which the rest of your life can rest. With self-love, I saw things falling into place around me. You become a powerful force that makes life better not just for you it effects everyone around you, too.
The art of accepting a compliment
Another thing the self-care topic brought to light for me was that; I find it difficult to accept a compliment. Let me give you a classic example:’ I love that dress on you. My response: “Oh this old things. Now after lots, lots and lots of practice I accept compliments with grace. I say “Thank you very much” or thanks for noticing. This makes it nicer for the person giving the compliment as well. Finally I noticed that the compliments I receive have a deeper and more lasting impact on me. Because now I allow myself to receive them.
