Self-Care Is Self-Aware

When the subject of self-care comes up, it’s common to hear the airline safety analogy about putting the oxygen mask on yourself first come up in the same conversation – and with good reason.  Many women today are being pulled in a multitude of directions – taking care of family, managing the household, and possibly caring for aging parents, all while maintaining a job/career – and they’re not even aware that they’re leaving themselves out of the care equation.

If you’re looking to move ahead in your career or find a more comfortable work-life balance, it’s important that you become aware of your own need for time outs in order to have the fuel to keep moving toward your goals.

Here are five simple ways to help you put yourself at the top of your to-do list:

1. Take a morning moment – Give yourself a few minutes at the start of your day to clear your thoughts and focus on your breathing.  Research has shown that taking even just five minutes to be still/meditate can improve focus and give you a sense of well being throughout the day.
2. Get moving – Regular exercise is an important part of self-care.  If a formal exercise program such as running or yoga is more than you can commit to, just making it a point to walk to the train, take stairs whenever possible, or take a walk around the block on your lunch hour can have a positive effect on your heart and overall health.
3. Have an evening soak – Mention taking a bath, and lots of women roll their eyes and say ‘I wish!’, but what’s stopping you other than you?  It doesn’t have to be time-consuming and it’s completely relaxing.  A warm bath is just the thing to soothe the day away, and it can help you sleep well too.
4. Read – Join a book club or consult with friends or a website like goodreads.com to find a book that speaks to you.  Carving out the time to snuggle up with a good book each night before bed is a wonderful act of self-care.
5. Get your 8 hours – Giving your body the rest it needs is one of the most important ways to take care of yourself.  It’s what allows you to go forward with good health and vigor in the world.

Many women see putting themselves first as selfish or overindulgent.  It may go against your grain to take care of yourself before others, but when you fill your own cup first and become more aware about carving out me time, you’ll ultimately have more you to give in the long run.