Many of us spend our lives giving to others.
Particularly in our working lives, we are often working to give to others, whether we work in customer service, the third sector, or even constantly trying to please our boss, we are always thinking of others, and doing what we can to give them all we have.
How often do we give ourselves as much love, kindness and effort as we give to others?
Tips for caring for your self
We can often neglect ourselves, both physically and mentally.
This results in us becoming run-down, caught up in other peoples problems and generally not turning our center inwards enough to remain in a happy place.
Sometimes the most simple acts can give us a boost internally, in order to lift our spirits and appreciate ourselves. They can be as simple as spending some time in silence with our self, no distractions, or they can be a little more self-indulgent, like treating yourself to a massage.
Here are some tips for looking after yourself…
- Go for a massage
- Go for a walk in the sun
- Go to a yoga class, or do a self-practice at home
- Rearrange your house, or re-organize your bookshelves
- Turn off the phone, TV, computer for a few hours. Enjoy the silence
- Go for a manicure/pedicure
- Read a great book
- Bake something
- Contact an old friend
- Start a journal, document your gratitude
- Watch your favorite movie
- Put on your favorite song and dance!
- Try a new class: something you’ve never done before!
- Take a long bubble bath
- Spend time with your family.
Love starts with self
Self love is not selfishness.
Sadly, many people think that loving and caring for your self is selfish. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth…
“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.
You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”
~ Lucille Ball
Remember, you can’t give to others if your own tank is running near empty.
So take some time to slowly check these ideas off your list, when you’re feeling stressed, run-down or just a little out of touch with yourself, do something to make you happy.