Why you should say yes to you!

Well......why shouldn’t you?

A common question we get asked a lot is…

“what do you do for you?”

“How do you look after yourself?”

Usually after a bit of a pause and some head scratching, comes a half hearted answer, or a realisation that there probably isn’t anything.

Now you’ve most likely heard the term “self care” banded about a lot, but what does it actually mean? And what does it entail? And why is it so important?

Well self care is described by the self care forum as…

“the actions that individuals take for themselves, on behalf or/and with others in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness”

Self Care is a continuous process in which we look after ourselves.

I like to think of it as my tool kit which I use to replenish myself, so I have the energy I want and love to give out without leaving myself empty.

Its almost like a healthy banking system, in the sense that you want to make sure your depositing more then your withdrawing/ giving out because there’s definitely no over- draft facility in this bank!

I learnt the hard way, and for years ran a damaging cycle of burning myself out, taking my foot off the gas and slowing down, to burning myself out again/ making myself really ill, until I realised something had to change to break the pattern.

Ultimately I had to look pretty deeply at some of the core beliefs I held.

For example; I always put everyone first, and NEVER said No!

Other reasons I hear are;

“ I’m happy if everyone else is happy”

“I just run out of time- I can’t fit it in”

“I am too busy”

“ I don’t have the money”

Sound familiar?

Do you know what you are really saying to yourself?

I am not worthy.

I am not worthy of the time I need for myself

I am not worthy of investing in myself

I am not worthy of seeing myself; my happiness, my health as a priority

But the truth is, YOU ARE WORTHY.

This is all about the relationship you have with yourself, as there isn’t anyone who can facilitate the process or change your belief but you.

The tools that make up your tool kit can be as big or as small as you want them, from a simple relaxing bath at the end of a night, to a spa weekend with your bestie, indulging in a relaxing massage.

The point is you make a commitment to yourself, and take a pro-action approach in making, doing, choosing all the things that make you feel your best and replenish your energy.

A promise to care, love and look after yourself has so many wonderful benefits.

It lowers stress levels and anxiety level, by giving you greater resilience to any challenges you might face.

It increases productivity, with better concentration, memory and clarity of mind.

You have an increase in self worth and a positive self image which leads to emotional growth and confidence.

You are also able to better regulate your personal boundaries- a must for anyone that struggles to say no, even though they know they should.

AND most importantly ……..You actually FEEL and LOOK happier.

Why would you not want all these things in your life?

So think now, what makes you feel your best?

Come up with a plan, make space, give yourself time- and choose you today!

In fact choose YOU everyday, because you really are worth it!