Why Self-Care Should Be A Priority

Hey friends! Things have been a little cray around here lately. Mostly life with a bit of travel thrown in. It’s left little time for writing but the writing wheels are always turning. Sometimes getting the words out of my head takes a bit longer than I’d hoped. Today is a busy one and I threw in a massage because my neck is bothering me. Which brings me to the topic of this post and why I think self-care should be a priority.

My best interpretation and why it is so necessary can be summed up by flight attendants telling us to put our oxygen mask on ourselves before we put one on the person next to us. Why are we told this? Because if we don’t save ourselves, how can we begin to show up for others? I have always been a fan of this concept but am I alone?

It seems that self-care is becoming more of a thing and lots of people are hopping on board which is freaking amazing! However, I still hear this all the time, “I don’t have time for myself.” Listen up, I’m calling bullshit. Yes, I am currently a kick-ass domestic goddess (aka homemaker) who might have a wee bit of extra time these days to squeeze in me-time BUT I have also been a full-time working mom + wife who still found tiny windows to treat myself. Also, please know that treating yourself can mean a simple walk or coffee date with a friend.

If you are saying, but I really don’t have time let me ask you a few questions. What is making you so busy? Do you have time to watch TV? Check social media? Do mindless web surfing? If you answered yes then you have time to dedicate to self-care. Even taking a 10-minute walk can boost your happiness. Trust me, I am an avid walker because I love being outside and moving my body. Even a quick 10 minutes is time for YOU and it helps shift your mindset.

So often we are busy. Busy with life + busy existing but in that busyness, we don’t find time to take care of our mental and physical health. Here is another question for you. Do you want to be able to live your best life? Do you want your kids to see you as an example of being healthy? Do you want to live life or just exist?

As I’ve crept into my 40’s, I’ve really had a lot of ‘aha’ moments. I have needed more quiet time. Some of this is because life has happened and it’s been so stressful, some of it is likely crazy hormones and some of it is just plain coming into who I am and what I need to be the best version of me.

I also started working with a life coach who has given me some good life nuggets and helps me stay a bit accountable. It helps that she is a self-care coach. If you are curious about who I am working with, you can find her website here at Tami Hackbarth. She also has a podcast that is great for tips on maintaining self-care. This was something I’d thought about a for a while and then it just started really calling to me again this year.

If there is one thing I have learned, it’s to listen to that inner voice and see what it’s trying to tell you. Again – this is a part of self-care. You know what you need so how can you give that gift to yourself? You know yourself better than anyone else does. Take the time for yourself and I promise you that you will show up better for the people in your life if you show up for yourself.

A few things that I personally love in the way of self-care:

• Getting outside for walks and hikes
• Coffee, breakfast or lunch dates with friends
• Day dates with my hubby
• Yin yoga classes
• Pedicures
• Massages
• Reading a good book outside in the sunshine
• Finding a new coffee shop to sit and blog at

I have also realized that I love setting little goals for myself. Nothing big. Just small challenges. These give me a sense of purpose. Once I reach my mini-milestones, I feel pretty extra badass.

A few goals that I have set for myself recently:

• A social media break
• A break from alcohol
• Meditating 3-5 days a week
• Walking every single day (I haven’t missed a day since January 1st)

What are your thoughts on self-care? Are you a believer or do you feel like you just don’t have time for you? I’d like to challenge you to take time for yourself this week. Pick just one thing that brings you joy and that is just for you. Just do that thing and see how you feel afterward. You might realize how much you needed some self-care and guess what? You are so worth it!