Self Care - 7 Empowering Steps for Taking Great Care of You

We are so busy taking great care of our families, friends, careers and others that we often forget to take great care of ourselves. It may feel selfish to put yourself first, however the better you take care of you the more energy and time you will have for taking care of others.

Step1. Set Personal Boundaries

Personal Boundaries are invisible lines we place around ourselves for protection, referred to as our personal space. Everyone has personal boundaries, whether they recognize them or not!

Boundaries give us clarity to who we are and what we are willing to do or not do, as well as what we will accept from others and what we will not. They are filters to stop people from infringing upon our time, energy and space with unacceptable behavior.

o Define the Boundary

o Inform others

o Request they stop doing whatever it is that is crossing your boundary

o Remind them that they are continuing to cross your boundaries, therefore not respecting you

o Leave - I am no longer comfortable in this relationship because you do not honor me

Step 2. Get your Personal Needs Met

Everyone has personal needs. When you acknowledge and accept responsibility for your needs you are more likely to get them met. Personal Needs include respect, validation, acknowledgement, being loved and cared for.

o Identify your top 10 needs

o Pick 4 from the 10

o Choose 1 and start working with it

o What is stopping you from getting this need met right now?

o What can you do differently starting today?

Step 3. Take Time for Fun

We seem to plan for everything else. Our schedules are full of things we feel must get done; along the way we forget to schedule time for some plain old fun.

When was the last time you invited your inner child to play? Just the two of you went to the park, played in the sand, jumped on a swing or slid down a slide? What did you love to do when you were a kid?

o Make a list of everything you love to do

o Set aside time everyday to do something Fun

o Give yourself permission to be a kid again

o Do the thing you love and have Fun doing it

Step 4. Create a Loving and Supportive Environment

Do you give much thought about the environment you live in? Is it well organized or is it cluttered? Do you waste time and energy looking for things?

o De-clutter your environment, home, garage, etc. Organized it, give it away or toss it

o Organize your closets, cabinets and drawers. Have a convenient place for everything

o Create new energy by moving 27 things, rearrange or put them in a new place

o Fill your home with only things you love

Step 5. Keep a Gratitude Journal

How often do you think about the many blessings you have and do you say thank you even if it is a silent prayer? We get so caught up in the busyness of life, we often forget to stop and be grateful.

o Buy a special journal and keep it on your nightstand

o Each night before going to sleep write 3 to 5 things you are grateful for

o It could be as simple as a warm bed to sleep in or having a roof over your head.

o Everyday be mindful of the kindness someone may have shown you or a relationship that has been mended or renewed; things you will want to write in your Gratitude Journal that you are grateful for.

Step 6. Design an Inspiration Box

Make a special box to keep cards, letters and inspiring words people have written about you. I use a shoe box wrapped with rainbow printed paper. It is bright and colorful and makes me smile every time I see it.

o On the days you need a spiritual lift, take out your box and embrace the gifts that others see in you

o Think about the person who sent you the card, letter or words of inspiration. Is there something special you can do for them?

o Write a list of 20 things you love about you and put it in your box

o Make a copy of your list and place it where you will see it everyday

Step 7. Treat yourself as the Special Person you are

We often forget or feel it is selfish to love and nourish ourselves. Taking great care of ourselves is the kindest gift we can give. When we treat ourselves with love and respect others will too.

o Have as much compassion for yourself as you do for others

o Spend time with yourself so you can become better acquainted

o Be as forgiving of yourself as you are of others

o Buy fresh flowers as a gift just for you

o Give yourself permission to take great care of you

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Steps 1 & 2 are from the Personal Freedom Program developed by Thomas Leonard

Written by Nanci Biddle

Author, Certified Life Coach and Licensed Personal Freedom Trainer

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