Let’s talk about the importance of self-care.
Recently, my son made the all-stars baseball team for our area, which means tournaments in June… in the south. Can you say H-O-T?! Let me set the scene for you. It’s over 100 degrees on the field with the heat index, and my son is the catcher. So go ahead and tack on I don’t know how many more degrees, but at those temps, let’s just say heat injuries are a very serious reality.
So, I’m checking in with my little dude every single time he comes off the field. I’m making eye contact with him in the dugout to make sure he’s hydrating, and I’m grabbing his attention each time he takes the field (from my favorite position right behind the plate) to ask if he’s doing okay. Seriously, he was a good sport, but getting a little annoyed with mom hovering. Listen, I’m not a hoverer, but in the right setting, I definitely am, and this was that setting.
Anyway, my kid makes it through the game, feels great, we get to the car, and suddenly I’m not feeling quite right. 😳 I may have become a little dehydrated during the game. Yeah! That happened. I’m all over my kid, making sure he’s taken care of, and meanwhile, I’m sipping water but clearly not nearly as much as I needed. This is just one little story to highlight that the importance of self-care won’t go ignored.
Here’s the thing: Caring for others comes naturally to so many of us, but self-care has to be intentional. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities and forget to take care of yourself. This isn’t a do-as-I-say, not-as-I-do moment. I try to practice self-care every day, but it’s to drive home the point that when life is busy, the first thing to be overlooked is caring for yourself.
There’s this sense of obligation to make sure everything that needs to be taken care of is handled, but there’s very seldom an outside reminder to care for you, so it gets forgotten in the chaos. So, let me halt here for a moment and remind you to take care of you.
Now, let’s dive deeper into this topic because I know you can relate. You’re balancing work, family, and a plethora of other responsibilities. It’s easy to put yourself on the back burner, but let’s talk about why that shouldn’t be the case.
Key Takeaways Today:
1. Prioritize Hydration: Always ensure you’re hydrating as much as you’re reminding your loved ones to. Not just during the summer, but all year round. Hydration is essential for our bodies, our minds, our skin—pretty well everything about us depends on being properly hydrated. Keep a colorful water bottle handy to remind you, and make it a fun challenge to refill it multiple times a day.
2. Set Reminders for Self-Care: Use alarms or apps to remind yourself to take breaks, drink water, and check in with your own needs. Simple things like a five-minute stretch or a quick walk can make a big difference. Think of these moments as mini-vacations for your mind and body.
3. Model Self-Care: Show your children that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of them. They learn by watching you. When they see you making self-care a priority, they’ll understand its importance. This is not just about setting an example, but about creating a family culture that values well-being.
4. Create a Self-Care Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes activities just for you. Whether it’s reading a book, meditating, or taking a relaxing walk, make sure you have time set aside every day for self-care. But how do you find the time to schedule self-care in your busy day? Reach out to me and let’s start the convo! Tell me your best tips for creating a self-care routine that works for you, or ask any questions you have about prioritizing self-care.
Also, really important to note is self-care shouldn’t just be slid into your schedule wherever you have a moment… if you have a moment, AND happen to remember, AND aren’t too tired to make the effort. My advice would be to intentionally schedule self-care into your day. Think of these planned self-care moments as your base hits in the game of life. But don’t stop there – be on the lookout for those unexpected opportunities to steal an extra moment of self-care, just like a savvy baserunner watching for a chance to swipe an extra base. When you spot an opening in your day, slide into that self-care moment like you’re stealing home. By combining your scheduled self-care with these surprise ‘steals,’ you’ll rack up a winning score for your well-being!
5. Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a community group, having a support system can help you manage your responsibilities and ensure you have time for yourself. Remember, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Superheroes have sidekicks for a reason!
6. Mind Your Mental Health: Physical health is important, but so is mental and emotional health. Practice mindfulness, journal your thoughts, or engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. Your mind deserves as much love and care as your body. After all, it’s the engine that drives your journey.
Remember, you’re deserving of the same care and attention you give to others. Embrace the power of self-care and make it a priority in your journey. By taking care of yourself, you’re not only ensuring you have the energy and health to take care of your family and business, but you’re also setting a powerful example for your children.
In the game of life, self-care often gets left on the bench. But it’s essential to remember that caring for yourself isn’t just a backup player – it’s your starting pitcher. Just like on a scorching hot baseball field, we need to stay alert about our well-being. So, let’s step up to the plate today and make self-care a priority. Your health, happiness, and success depend on it. It’s time to make self-care your home run strategy.
P.S. Book a call here to talk about how we can work together: http://bit.ly/3tETvqQ
P.P.S. Watch the importance of self-care video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/41wSmL9ymYs