I have had an absolutely crazy week! I was super busy with work and life, and I really needed some help with the balance part. I was on the verge of not posting anything this week so I could rest, but instead I am bringing you an amazing guest post from Renelle Blanchette on Self Care! It turns out I am able to rest and share some amazing thoughts with you! I can’t wait for you to read what she has shared and be happy!
Do you stand in the mirror thinking, “Oh my gawd, I need to get these eye brows waxed!?” Do you lie in bed at night running through the list of stuff you did or didn’t get done that day and what needs to get done tomorrow? Do you drive through traffic feeling impatient and as though there’s not enough time in a day?
Does all of this sound familiar?
What if I told you it’s normal?
What if I told you it doesn’t need to be that way?
Reality check, right? It was for me too, but once I started taking care of MYSELF first, everything began to change. I know that there are a few barriers to this, but they’re just barriers. They’re meant to be torn down. Not enough time? Make time. Not enough money? It doesn’t have to cost money.
When life gets tough, when life gets busy, when stress and overwhelm creep in, it’s so tempting (and easy) to make space in your calendar by scratching off the things that you do for yourself. In the moment, it seems like the quick and easy fix to creating more time, gaining more energy, and getting to the grind. The problem with that: it isn’t. YOU are number one. You need to take care of yourself first. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Self-care is like fuel for your car. People need you and rely on you like you rely on your car. If you are not practicing self-care and making yourself a priority, you’re likely feeling tired, less inspired, less alert, less vibrant, less YOU. It’s important that you be energized, ready, and capable of giving your best.
Here’s the thing though, self-care doesn’t have to take over your day, week, month or life. But the secret is that it will change your day, week, month and life!
Here are a few life hacks for incorporating awesome (and simple) self-care into your every day life:
Ten minutes is all it takes.
Repeat this in your head 55 times (ok, slight exaggeration, but at least a few times): “Small steps every day create miracles.”
Ten minutes focused only one you. Every. Single. Day.
Here’s a simple list of ideas that take ten minutes (or less):
– Reading before bed.
– Fresh flowers on the kitchen table. It’s easy to add them to your shopping cart on your weekly grocery trip.
– Meditation in the morning.
– A nice hot shower with an amazing body scrub.
– Putting on your makeup even if you’re not leaving the house that day.
One client told me this week that taking 10 minutes every morning to journal has literally changed her life. Proof!
Put yourself first.
This one seems obvious, right? Obvious, maybe, but also difficult.
I used to fall off the wagon quite often. Then, I decided that self-care needed to either a) be done FIRST thing in the morning or b) scheduled in my day-planner as a non-negotiable. Guess what? This worked.
I get up, meditate, journal, drink my coffee, eat breakfast and ask the Universe for guidance by pulling an oracle card. This morning practice is key to my every day success. It sets a positive mindset and is a key player in my self-care routine.
Put yourself first. By the time we are done work, have taken care of the kids, and done a million other things around the house, we’re too tired to follow through. Make it a non-negotiable.
Make a schedule.
Grab a piece of paper and write down 30 self-care activities you can do (big and small). Then, grab a calendar and schedule those in over the next 30 days.
Need a few more ideas?
- Book a spa day (or taking the time to paint your finger nails and toe nails).
- Sign up for a yoga class.
- Go to a concert.
- Take time to peruse the aisles at the bookstore (and maybe buy a new book).
- Have a family movie night.
- Go for coffee with a friend.
- Get together with friends for a girls night.
- Make a nice cup of tea and drink it while it’s hot.
- Prepare your favorite, nutritious meal.
- Sign up for a class (French, salsa dancing, cooking, whatever peaks your interest).
- Write yourself a love letter.
Self-care doesn’t need to be complicated, time-consuming, or overwhelming, but it does need to happen.
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take the time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brownn
Lots of love,
Renelle
xo
I love what Renelle has shared here! I am really going to embrace 10 minutes a day of self care! What’s your are your best self care activities?
About Renelle:
Renelle Blanchette is a lifestyle and chakra coach, and a Reiki practitioner. She works with women facing big changes, transitions, or decision who don’t know where to start. She helps them become confident in their decisions and guides them through tapping into their inner compass, so they can start living their life on purpose. If you’re interested in setting up an inspiring daily practice and learning how clearing energy can get you on your way to being your Highest, most amazing self, check our her website at www.renelleblanchette.ca.
Email: renelle@renelleblanchette.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/renelleblanchettecoach
Instagram: www.instagram.com/renelleblanchettecoach