THE ANATOMY OF SELF-CARE

Anyone else wake up feeling foggy and groggy – ready to throw out everything sugary, fatty and salty?

After a day of eating around the healthy salad in my fridge, I did the great toss out. And now I'm restocking with crispy lettuces and fresh produce for my LaLa Salad and other healthy-for-me meals. While I feel yucky from eating sugar too many days in a row, this is NOT the time to regret or shame myself.

I chose it all and enjoyed a lot of it. Now I feel it all and want to feel better. Here's my plan.

Get present with myself, feel into my body, journal, get some sleep, resume my weekday workouts and get spiritually grounded. This winning combo supports me in making healthy-for-me choices.

I feel amazing when I engage in my self-care routine and I'm so much more productive and successful.

Many women share their struggles with me. Usually about making time, setting boundaries and picking workouts over working longer hours. I GET YOU.

Here's the anatomy of my basic self-care routine:

• Rise at the same time on weekday mornings.
• Make the bed and dress immediately in my pre-planned workout clothes.
• Downstairs for Coffee & Contemplation. Jack-the-cat joins me in this marvelous practice.
• Slurp and sip hot coffee and love on Jack while I get present.
• Read a daily meditation and write in my journal while I connect spiritually.
• Head for my scheduled workout with a trainer and a fun group of gals.
• Do what I’ve planned (manicure, doctor appointment, grocery store or cleaners).
• Home to shower and dress for work.
• I'm in my office and studio working for the day - loving what I get to do!
• Midday, I make my pre-planned lunch in my clean and well-stocked kitchen.
• I enjoy my home-made lunch in my office with real silverware and pretty dishes.
• I work about an 8-hour day, depending on real life. Some days are shorter, some a bit longer.
• If I'm staying in for the evening, I make dinner. Ideally I've eaten by about 7 o'clock.
• Important notes: I plate everything I eat on fabulous pottery and drink coffee from marvelous mugs. Try this for increased pleasure and warm feelings of self-love. Also, I recommend you not eat standing over the counter but sit down and eat from dishes you enjoy using. YOU are worthy a wonderful meal plated and self-served with a nice presentation.
• Before turning in for the night, I straighten the house, lay my clothes out, know my morning schedule and take care of any other chores. I prepare.
• By the time I turn out the light, I am 100% ready for tomorrow morning. Clothes are laid out. Gar is gassed. Schedule is confirmed. Everything I need to take with me in the morning is gathered in ONE place with my purse, keys, glasses, Yeti water, dry cleaning and grocery list.
• My best self-care routine includes going to sleep at the same time each weekday night.
• I get up with my alarm, open the blinds and greet the day by saying something positive out loud. (Actually I sing most mornings.)

Here are some other acts of self-care that help me feel, look, think and act from my best self:

• Coaching and encouragement from Bev, Grace and Patsy
• Chiropractic energy work
• AA meetings
• An occasional massage
• Jacuzzi baths with Epson salts or smell-good bubbles
• Walking with a friend
• Getting my car gassed up, washed and tires checked
• Dinner with friends
• Chatting on the phone with people I love
• Putting fresh yummy sheets on the bed.
• Cleaning out my closets
• Listening and dancing to live music
• Long dinners with great conversation
• Picnicking in the park
• Sitting by the fire – inside and outside
• Listening to music that makes me happy and free
• Deep breathing and feeling into my body
• Letting my imagination run wild on something fun to think about - dreaming and scheming
• Checking in with a friend I haven’t connected with in a while
• Coloring and painting
• Working a puzzle
• Supporting someone who needs encouragement
• Laughing out loud
• Playing board and domino/tile games
• Enjoying nature, especially on a sunny bluebird day
• Snuggling up with a journal, laptop or good book
• Watching my hometown major league baseball team, the Stanley Cup and World Cup finals

I keep a running list of 130+ acts of self-care and have barely made a dent here in ways to take care of yourself. For you it may include cleaning out the garage, replacing the fence in your backyard, bringing home a rescue puppy or volunteering at a hospital or botanic garden.

Self-care is doing things to take care of and nurture your body, mind, soul and spirit, keep you fit and healthy and maintain your energy level.

Truly successful women are engaged in their unique self-care so they can be stronger leaders, well-respected colleagues, better moms, mates and friends - and enjoy growth and success beyond their wildest dreams.

If you're ready for the benefits of self-care, laughter, balancing family and work, living an abundant life without the struggle that comes when we neglect ourselves and make unhealthy choices for too many days in a row - book a call with me.

TO YOUR SUCCESS!