Have You Scheduled Yourself in Lately?

Where are You on Your Calendar?

Today, most of us have a least one if not multiple calendars.  There are paper ones and electronic ones, they are on our walls, phones, desktops, emails, we even have them on our watches.  Why?  Most of us are stretched so thin with their daily tasks, that without our calendars how could we remember half the things we are required to do.  Thank goodness for those great little pop up reminders, right?

You look at your calendar daily, see what you must do today and add anything else you may need to.

But, how about you, are you on your calendar?

Anywhere?

Statistics show, probably not!  In our multi-tasking, overworked and over scheduled lives, most of us never even consider putting ourselves on the calendar.  No time for that, most say.  “I barely will get through, what I have, no way I have time for myself”.  We all scoff, when the teacher, boss, spouse, friend, or even the Doctor or Therapist recommend Self Care.  Most believe, there is no way to make time for Self-Care, but they are wrong.  It is the biggest lie we tell ourselves!!

When you are overworked, over scheduled, stressed out and feeling overwhelmed it is no secret this can lead to a host of difficulties in our daily lives.  At best, we become irritable, distressed, have difficulty focusing, remembering and completing tasks.  We also know that this type of life style leads to a lowered immunity meaning more illnesses and long term can lead to chronic health conditions not to mention anxiety and depression. So, if we know all this, why is it that so few take time to take care of themselves?  Time, there simply is not enough. . .

Then make time!  Yes, yes, there are only 24 hours in a day, but if you are currently only operating at 60, 40 maybe even 30% of your true potential then a little self-care could easily improve that 10%, WOW! There you go 2.4 more hours in the day!  Who doesn’t need 2 extra hours?

Are you still scoffing at the idea?  

Then start small, get out your calendar and give yourself just 10 – 15 minutes to do something you enjoy, something relaxing, rejuvenating or energizing.  Not only will you reap immediate benefits, but your stress will go down, your ability to concentrate will go up, more of your cylinders will be firing when you are trying to complete that task at work, school, with the kids or around the house.  You will find, that a little self-care can go a long way in improving your ability to complete your daily tasks faster and better than before.

Quick Self Care Ideas

1. Have a favorite playlist of songs that help you relax, and play them in the car or on your headphones.
2. Take 10, go for a walk or do some yoga, stretching, you’ll be surprised how relaxing this can be.
3. Read from a favorite inspirational book, or favorite magazine.
4. Stop and notice your surroundings. Use all your senses, What do you see? Hear? Feel? Smell, Taste?
5. Take some big deep breaths, breathing in slowly and out slowly. Fill your chest and allow your body to relax.
6. Take a quick “Cat Nap” for many 10 or 15 minutes can be enough to re-energize your day!
7. Call that friend, that always makes your smile.
8. Enjoy a few moments of silence in your car, in your room before the day’s hectic pace takes over.
9. Take a 1 minute vacation, travel anywhere you like. Think of the things, people, places, events that make you happiest and relaxed.
10. Start a gratitude journal. Commit to writing at least 1 thing every day you are grateful for.  Remember your spiritual needs, and connect daily.

Feeling bolder?  Needing more and understand your need for self-care?

1. Make a list of things you enjoy, start adding them to your calendar. Commit to 1 a week.
2. Eat right. Pick something in your daily diet to eliminate (that’s bad for you) and something to add (like water)
3. Sleep right, get more rest. A sleep deprived person, will always move slower and not be as sharp as a well-rested one.
4. Exercise– start an exercise routine, and as you build up your endurance increase the intensity and duration.
5. Plan a trip, and take the time off to go! No money?  Plan a staycation, find free events around time and enjoy your time with family and friends.
6. Make a Bucket List of fun, exciting or adventurous things you would like to do in the next 5 years, and begin checking them off.
7. Whether it is getting your nails or hair done, buying a new outfit or pair of shoes. As a man or woman, you will feel better when you look better.
8. See that Doctor for any ailments that have been plaguing you, help your body get back to 100%
9. Channel your creative side, try art, music, writing, dance you may find a passion you didn’t know you had. Or revive one that has always been there.
10. Do the things that you wish you could, if only you had the time. Plan time with those friends, spend time with your family, pursue your passions and your joy.
11. Invest time into your spiritual needs and connect in the ways you need most.

It is most important to renew our mind, body and soul.  When this is neglected in our hectic schedules not only will you suffer, but so will your work, family and friends.  You can only give what you have to give and if you are only at 50%, then you can only give 50%.  Put yourself on that calendar, to recharge and increase what you have to give!

You’ll thank yourself!!