Could You Benefit From A Work Stress Counsellor?

This is actually a perfectly natural response to what our brain perceives as a threat, hence why it sends us into 'fight or flight' mode. In more primitive times, this response would have actually served us well - say if we woke alerted to a predator approaching our cave or we had to protect our young from an intruder.

The body's fight or flight response would have, at one time, kept us alive and protected our offspring - as we still see in animals all the time. However, these days, the actual threats that we face on a day-to-day basis where this kind of response could come in useful are minimal, but our minds and bodies haven't quite caught up.

When it comes to everyday problems, once the moment has passed we're usually able to return to our composed selves. So, what happens when we aren't able to switch off from it? Long-term, this can have a detrimental affect on our sleep patterns, our mental health and even our immunity to certain illnesses, so should be taken seriously.

One of the main culprits of stress is work-related pressure. There is so much out there telling us we need to 'get ahead', make more money or compete with our colleagues, that we can forget to look after ourselves when we're caught up in it all. It's easy to forget that this negativity can trickle into all aspects of our lives, including our relationships.

This can then have a knock-on effect, causing us to make poor choices when it comes to our diets, sleeping habits and self-care. Not only this, but stress can cause many people to look for relief from sometimes destructive substances like alcohol, cigarettes or even drugs, if not dealt with in the right way.

If you're finding yourself increasingly burnt out, exhausted and unable to relax at the end of a day, you could be suffering form stress. You may have noticed that this also provokes anxiety, causing your heart to beat faster and even making it difficult to breathe.

You may find that when it comes to relax and leave the day behind, you're exhausted but unable to sleep. The sleeplessness then makes it difficult to manage with your ability to cope with work pressures the next day - and so the cycle continues.

In order to help yourself better manage your responsibilities without compromising your mental and physical health, you could contact a work stress counselor. Talking therapies have proved effective time and time again in a number of instances where your job may be taking its toll - more so than medication or alternative practices.

Of course, your counsellor may suggest propping up your counselling with other practices such as exercise, mindfulness or meditation. But they will likely provide a personalised approach to your therapy according to what you find most helpful.

There is no need to feel shame about seeking help - everyone benefits from therapy at one point or another during their lives. In many employment fields, counseling is a mandatory part of the job, and many other workplaces are employing mindfulness and meditation practices to help employees better manage their mental wellbeing.

Have a look online for a registered counsellor that can offer work-related counselling services. You will probably need to call up or arrange a visit for a consultation and to see if you and your therapist are a good fit, but after that, you should start seeing your stress levels diminish once you have a professional sounding board.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Could-You-Benefit-From-A-Work-Stress-Counsellor?&id=9633936

Sometimes You've Just Got to Say 'No'

Many people find that it's their automatic default to say 'yes' whenever something is asked of them. They may have learned to respond without even thinking about it, maybe regard others' needs as more important than their own or don't want to cause disappointment, offence or appear 'difficult' by declining.

Saying 'yes' can be a positive trait that opens new doors and experiences. It can be a significant investment in our relationships, but used too often or without due consideration can also lead to overwhelm, frustration and resentment.

Let's look at why sometimes you've just got to say 'no';

- At times it can become apparent that we need to re-define the boundaries of our relationships and remind/reinstate the parameters of what's appropriate and acceptable. Over time we may have ended up doing things out of habit or by default. That's not always the best or most respectful way to live. From now let's decide to be clearer about our roles and check whether the things we accept or agree to are still okay for us. Saying 'no' can be an important part of reclaiming our self-respect.

- Personal time and space is integral to good self-care. Don't underestimate the role of some me-time. Just because you're free and don't have an important task or commitment at the moment means you should feel guilty or allow others to encroach on that time. If you had an appointment with an important client it's hard to imagine that you'd let something distract you from honouring it. So, put yourself in your diary and say 'no' to cancelling, unless a real emergency crops up. Commit to regular time for yourself.

- Sometimes saying 'no' can be a way of letting others know how much you do, what else you've got on, that you're too busy to take on any more. They perhaps don't appreciate the extent of your responsibilities and commitments, how time-consuming they are and may well back off once you've explained firmly and politely. If you always say 'yes' they may think you don't mind, are happy to be the 'go to guy'. And it may be that it's only upon reflection, that you start to appreciate how much you actually do, automatically, without a second thought.

- Don't forget too that boredom is often underrated. We may feel obligated to fill every moment with meaningful activity, with chores, catching up with people, self-improvement. There's often a list of things we could/should/ought to be doing, but doing nothing is fine occasionally. It lets our minds and bodies calm down and be still. It teaches us about the importance of silence and inactivity, about switching off our 'I'm ready, bring it on' adrenalin. Children often learn a lot when they're bored. All too often they have technology, films and adults desperate to provide constant stimulus and amusement, but children, when left to their own devices, are often ingenious at using their imaginations and amusing themselves. That skill needs to be encouraged.

- Find acceptable ways of saying 'no', that you're comfortable with. Anger and outrage can flare if we feel we're under pressure to do more, always say 'yes', but that extreme reaction is often unnecessary. Saying, 'it's not a good time for me', or 'I'm busy, already doing x and y' may be enough to placate the situation, inform others of things you're already doing and encourage them to respect you and your time more.

- Then there are those of us who say 'yes' so frequently to invitations that we forget which concerts, events, parties we've actually been to! Saying 'yes' too often can turn special moments into a half-remembered blur. A bit like testing too many perfumes, we become numb and unable to fully appreciate each experience.

Saying 'yes' is important. It gets us out of our comfort zone, keeps us alert and receptive to new experiences and opportunities. And often when we say 'yes' and commit to seemingly impossible opportunities or agree to things we don't want to do, we can be pleasantly surprised at how well they turn out. But equally, we need to be ready to say 'no' if we feel overloaded, trapped, taken for granted or not properly equipped to do a good job. Used well, both yes and no can serve positive roles in our lives.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Sometimes-Youve-Just-Got-to-Say-No&id=10209451

Be Like Bamboo

Feeling stress and the need for a quick recharge? Feeling blocked, stuck in your ways and the desire to be more flexible and forgiving? Do you have the desire to undo the energy drain of the life and work, start the year or business anew? If yes, it's time to be like bamboo

Want to be strong without being tough? Finding the strength to lead from a place that does not drain your joy or energy? Be like the bamboo.

As entrepreneurs we spend much of our time working, thinking, and creating from a place of busyness. We spend most of our time in the doing, and very little time in a space of quiet - between all the doing. So much of what we do is on autopilot, focused on goals, and getting things done. This is the path to stress and burnout.

At times we get so caught up in the many little tasks we are managing that we lose sight of our original intention and passion. The tasks take over and the big picture begins to blur.

Often, we are piloted by busy versus peaceful or productive energy. The days fly by, blending into each other. We look up and we are tired or lost.

We are so set on achieving what we set out to do that we often forget to take breaks, celebrate our successes, and enjoy what we have created.

I love the seasons as teachers for leadership and self-care. In the spirit of Spring and the 5 elements, I look to wood as the element of the season. Bamboo, a wood element, is one of the most sustainable, easily renewable resources. When in use, it is one of the most efficient resources - as virtually every part makes a valuable contribution. It thrives without harmful additives, in a variety of conditions. Once planted, the roots remain in place.

This is an invitation in the form of a metaphor. It is also a chance to live into the practice of inviting art, movement and play into your life. Consider it an opportunity to practice visualization - allowing this vision to lead you on your path to peace and clarity. To be like bamboo.

Visioning is a way to just breathe and be. Movement is a way to access our deepest, most enduring self. Letting go of our minds and allowing our bodies to just sway and flow. Connect imagination to this movement and allow it to lead.

When things get tough, take a breath. Move more slowly and see yourself as bamboo. Allowing the Spring element of wood to help you balance your energy.

Feel rooted and light.

Sway and bend gently with the wind.

Strong yet flexible.

Growing tall to reach the clouds.

Able to survive in diverse spaces.

Nourishing.

Healing.

Easily renewed.

Creative. Expansive.

Beautiful in your natural simplicity.

Just be.

Like bamboo.

Namaste'

https://ezinearticles.com/?Be-Like-Bamboo&id=7514723

How To ACCEPT YOUR FLAWS and LOVE YOURSELF to the Fullest | Marisa Peer

Self-Care Strategies to Combat the Stress of the Holiday Season for Medical Professionals (By Dr Stephanie Wellington)

As the holidays approach, this time of year can be filled with mixed emotions for high achieving medical professionals who find themselves in the hospital, clinics, and practices caring for patients instead of spending time with loved ones. It can be more hectic than ever as doctors try to be all things to family and friends while still carrying a full patient load.

Personally, I learned the hard way that this is the time of year when I must become non-negotiable about my daily practices for self-care. In the past I felt I was pulled in many directions. It was challenging for me to say no and set boundaries. I pushed through the holidays working extra shifts while trying to balance the responsibilities of family life. I was overwhelmed and exhausted. I didn't enjoy the holidays. In fact there were times when I couldn't wait until the holidays were over. The mounting stress manifested itself in back pain, which was my wakeup call that it was time to do something different in my life and medical career.

Relief came when I surrendered. When other people are rushing around to finish their holiday shopping, I use this time of year to quietly celebrate myself from a place of non-judgment. It is less about what I haven't done and more about what I have done and what is possible for the future. No more beating myself up for not dropping that 10 pounds or not having paid off more on those student loans or not being in the dream position that I hope to retire from some day. From this new viewpoint I get to enjoy decorating the tree with my children and cooking the holiday dishes we love.

Life is a process. Enjoying more of the process and feeling on purpose is what I am going after, knowing that with the right energy and focus, the rest will show up and reveal itself to me.

If you can relate, please don't despair. When we wreck our brains over what wasn't done we give up our power and fall into the trap of feeling like a victim to our circumstances. Yes, this happens to doctors. We are not immune to human frailties. Instead of falling into the old patterns of negative self talk and criticism, this is the opportune time to re-engage with the daily practices to raise your energy level so that you can tap into the inspiration needed for focused action in 2019.

A few daily practices that change my life are:

· Setting the intention for the day

· Starting the day with gratitude

· Wrapping up the day with celebrating my wins, big and small.

These strategies used consistently, shift your focus and attention to the experiences and the opportunities that contribute to your success. Life begins to flow instead of feeling forced.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Self-Care-Strategies-to-Combat-the-Stress-of-the-Holiday-Season-for-Medical-Professionals&id=10042895

Don't Scrimp on Self-Care - 5 Rituals to Help You Stay on Track

To embrace all that life has to offer, I advise you to move self-care to the top of your list every day.

Self-care is key to your success and satisfaction no matter what your goals and responsibilities may be.

We all know that life gets way too busy. Sometimes it gets so busy that you feel like you can't carve out ANY time to take care of yourself. But that's one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

The rituals you practice to take care of your mind, body, and spirit both soothe you and energize you. As a result, you experience more success and joy in your moments. This, in turn, transforms your feelings about time. And that affects everything you do.

5 Self-Care Rituals for you to build into your routine...

These rituals help you remember how important you are. When you practice them, the results are powerful and palpable.

Exercising relieves your stress and rejuvenates both your mind and body.

No matter where you start, getting the physical activity your body craves will revive your mood and enrich your life profoundly. Try a 10-minute walk to give your mind a rest or lift your spirits.

Whether you choose a brisk pace or a slow saunter to admire the landscape, consider it a gift to yourself to go for a brief stroll.

Re-acquaint yourself with the magic and exhilaration that nature provides.

Nothing relaxes and nurtures us like getting outdoors. Find time to sit on your porch and just watch the birds. Take a few minutes to care for a flower garden, or go for a walk in the park.

Take a Bath.

Bathing is one of the top self-soothing moments of your day. Rather than rush through your bath, take the time to soothe yourself by using a luscious soap or that new loofah sponge or bath puff. Light some scented candles, put on relaxing music, and take the time to fully enjoy your self-care time.

Find time to do the one thing you really love to do.

There's something so special and nourishing about making the time and space to do something that you feel excited about. Maybe you love to read. Or perhaps you like to sew or work with wood.

No matter what your beloved activity, figure out a way to make it happen. Even if it's every other day or once a week, an important part of self-care is doing what makes your heart sing.

Stay in touch with your feelings.

This is vital for the deepest and most meaningful self-care. When you're honest with yourself about how you feel, you'll have more peace and contentment inside.

Living your life based on your real feelings brings comfort and joy to your heart because you are in sync with yourself. It can be a challenge to be truthful with yourself and others about how you feel. But when you do, the rewards are great.

BONUS REMINDER: Self-care isn't a luxury! Re-frame it for yourself as a responsibility.

Engaging in activities and rituals that soothe you deep inside enriches your time and your life. A regular practice of self-care demonstrates that you recognize your own worth.

You'll deepen your experience of your moments and find more success and satisfaction by practicing soothing and energizing self-care rituals.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Dont-Scrimp-on-Self-Care---5-Rituals-to-Help-You-Stay-on-Track&id=9769398

Why Don't You Take Your Holidays?

I'm sure many of us will remember the culture of working long hours, always keen to be recognised as the first to arrive and the last one to leave each day. It didn't matter if the hours in-between were spent roaming offices clutching a file under one arm, looking busy. We were there!

These days, with so many of us hot-desking, working from home or on the road travelling from meeting to meeting there's no time to 'look busy' as we've often very little time to waste. In fact a recent TUC survey (2019) revealed that £32 billion of unpaid overtime was worked last year.

No wonder stress is such a 'biggie', costing UK businesses £40 billion in lost productivity, due to absenteeism, accidents and poor performance. Taking breaks and holidays is important in managing stress, self-care and wellbeing. Why is it then that 2 million workers, or one in fourteen, fail to use their full holiday entitlement?

Is there more pressure around? We all want to do a good job, protect our employment and see the business do well. With appraisals and performance reviews likely to affect our salaries and progression there can be additional concern to always be available and not open the door for someone else to cover our role, do a better job or maybe discover mistakes or inefficiencies.

When time away from work is so important why don't you take your holidays?

- Fear of missing out and perfectionism can mean that we feel stressed or apprehensive and uncomfortable at the mere thought of taking a break or holiday. We may really need time off but feel conflicted at the prospect of being unavailable for the duration.

- It's often the case that when we're constantly busy we focus our attention on dealing with the most pressing matters first. Why wouldn't we? But gradually the less demanding areas of our lives can fade into the background, with us trusting family and friends to take care of themselves. However, if we're frequently unavailable they can start to feel unimportant and learn to get along quite nicely without us.

- It's interesting that post-holiday is the second busiest time for divorce lawyers, with post-Christmas being the most busy. When we lose touch with our relationships we can find that spending a couple of weeks together highlights how estranged we've become. Taking regular breaks and holidays provides an opportunity to keep communications alive and improve those relationships, so avoiding becoming too distant.

- Be aware that stress manifests itself in different ways. There are a documented 360 physical symptoms of stress, potentially a new one for each day of the year! Learning to recognise your own warning signs gives you advance notice that it's time to intervene and take a holiday before things escalate and affect your health and wellbeing.

- One sign that you'd benefit from a holiday is when your creative thinking becomes less effective. You may find yourself going through the motions, working hard but not caring as much or concentrating as well, so losing the joy in what you're doing.

So, change your perspective on holidays;

- Decide how you'd like to spend a week or two, what you'd like to do whilst away. Whether single or partnered, with or without children it's important to include your wishes. Consider your needs as well as other peoples in any decision-making and stop being so preoccupied with what you'd be missing at work.

- Avoid using your holidays to catch up on chores. If you're not going away it can be tempting to decorate the house or sort out the garden. There may be some merit in allocating time for those things but equally find a location, hobby or interest that appeals; maybe a group holiday, one for special interests like walking, or even a retreat. Investigate what excites or inspires you.

- Use your holiday as time to really focus on yourself and/or family. Do things together that you enjoy and recommit to your relationships. Remind yourself that they're often the reason why you work so hard. Your intention was to make a good life and provide for them. Discuss ways to maintain fun and closeness post-holiday. Maybe sharing regular family meals, hobbies and interests could sustain 'us' time once the holiday is over.

- Appreciate that breaks and holidays should give space to switch off and distance ourselves from routine cares and stress. Often a break provides time to be quieter, distracted by other things, afterwards returning refreshed, with new insights and ways of doing things, perhaps even with a new perspective on a problem.

- Learn to switch off the adrenalin. We can become habituated to living permanently on red-alert, hyper-vigilant and programmed to constantly react and jump to attention at whatever is happening. Adopting a calmer, more relaxed approach helps you assess and choose to respond in a more pragmatic, effective way.

Switching off with breaks and holidays is an important way to invest in your ability to live life well. So make sure you take your holidays.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Dont-You-Take-Your-Holidays?&id=10166581

The 3 SECRETS To Improve SELF-ESTEEM & Confidence TODAY | Marisa Peer

Silent Saboteur - The Hidden Elements of Negativity

So, you're out there setting positive goals for yourself. You are putting out good thoughts towards achieving them, practicing self-care and speaking positively, but you're not yielding a return on your positive investment. Now you find yourself sliding down the frustration pole and heading straight towards the cynical stage. Well, not so fast! Let's have a look at the undercover work of negativity to see if perhaps it still has a silent, yet powerful, role in your positive endeavors.

I want to be very clear here about the true definition of positive thinking, acting and being. Positive is not the denial of negative circumstances, avoidance of addressing growth curves accurately, nor is it giving you, or others, BS compliments. Positive means the general energy behind your words and actions. If that energy is not positive, the power behind the intention of your actions and words are diminished. IF you want to make a big impact in your own life, be it an external goal or changing something about yourself, you have to have the right energy behind your words and actions. If you do not, you're undercutting yourself and sabotaging your own intentions.

So, here is the hunt for subtle negativity questionnaire:

Please note, these are deep dive questions. They are not easy, and the truth may sting a bit. BUT, if you want to feel better, you will answer from a place of brutal honesty. Because the only way to align yourself with the energy needed to change, is to get real. Otherwise, this type of negative thinking and behaving will continue to water down and sabotage your efforts.

1. What are your true feelings when you are witnessing those around you happy, having fun, succeeding, and/or prospering?

Now most of you will say, I love to see my friends and family happy and succeeding. For the most part that may be true... but let's keep digging to see if it's REALLY true.

2. Do you think and speak, sarcastically about people's character, personality, looks and/or accomplishments behind their back? Or do you find a way to diminish or knock them down behind their back around others?

3. When no one is around, do you swim in jealous and negative thoughts about others who are thriving?

4. Do you secretly get angry when you hear others praise a friend, family member, colleague or peer's accomplishments, achievements or character?

These questions are big ones. They are dredging the muck at the bottom of our Ego Sewer. The place where we hide our feelings of not being good enough. Our Ego Sewer is the secret place where we cover our up our true, ugly and negative feelings by knocking other people down. We then surround ourselves with a little camp of people swimming in their own muck to help us stay satisfied with our position and justified in our sentiments.

The key thing to understand is that our mind fixates on others to keep us insulated from tending to the uncomfortable and painful places in ourselves. We make others the villain, the obstacle, the problem in order to distance ourselves from feeling inferior and inadequate. But it doesn't work. Indulging in the muck only adds to the negative feelings and thickens the mucky waters. You are only making it even harder to change and feel better.

So, now is the time to address this stuff head on. You CAN DO THIS! Shying away from the hard work of healing your self-esteem issues is not in your best interest. This will continue to secretly rob you of achieving your highest goals and potential and most importantly, of feeling really good about yourself without having to do or be anything. In other words, unconditionally accepting yourself. Male or female, we ALL need to feel good about ourselves for health and balance.

Let your next goal be to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin without the defensive armor of secret negativity. Because the only thing we are doing with this type of thinking and behaving is protecting our ego. Jealousy and denial are defense mechanisms and swimming there for long periods of time, is corrosive to our well-being.

So now is the time! Find a trusted counselor, therapist or coach, put your HAZMAT suit on and go in and purify your waters. Thriving doesn't fall into our laps, it takes work and that work is important. Celebrities, corporate moguls, models, billionaires: we all have our secret saboteurs. Insecurities are inherent in all of us. When you hide them from yourself, you are silently sabotaging all your good intentions and weakening the potency of your success and achievements. So, dive in and get clean. You deserve to feel good about being you!

https://ezinearticles.com/?Silent-Saboteur---The-Hidden-Elements-of-Negativity&id=10146825

Simple Self-Care for Movers and Shakers

As busy business owners, leaders, and professionals (often with lives of work, volunteering, and family), it can be challenging to prioritize much less actually follow through when it comes to truly taking care of yourself. Sometimes this topic is blown off as a fluffy, feminine issue. However, while men don't often get manicures or pedicures or schedule coffee chats with friends, both men and women both need to make sure they are resting and restoring their own energy. This is taking care of themselves.

When we don't take care of ourselves, we put ourselves in a position of increased vulnerability to stress resulting in reduced emotional management and a highway to burn out. While our self-care actions might not hit our top 10 list for today's priorities, it is time to start adding them to your list! Before we make a list of "ideals," you will need to understand what self-care means for you.

For years my friends and family have chided me for burning the candle at both ends and needing to take care of myself. At times it was hard to understand what they meant. I knew I was busy, but I was doing things that were important to me, that I loved, and that I found energy and space for. My friends and family would say space at the cost of my downtime, but sometimes I felt confused about what was I supposed to be doing. I couldn't see just sitting at home reading a book for 3 hours or even a single hour, or taking a whole day to go for a hike while still trying to do the hobbies I enjoyed. It felt like an oxymoron: "Relax and take care of yourself, but don't schedule anything." How do you get a massage without booking it and where do I squeeze that into my busy schedule? Usually, I would answer, "I am fine." I had some self-care items scheduled into my day and felt plenty energized despite my business, but I knew I was not really taking care of myself or taking time for down-time luxuries, but it just seemed more stressful to plan those into the day as well.

What finally got my attention, as is true for many, is when my body couldn't quite keep up with me in the same way that it used to. After my second daughter was born I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Hypothyroid. Symptoms are supposed to include tiredness, brain fog, body aches, etc. I thought, "What's new? You just have to push through it." The diagnosis really didn't change anything except increase the concern of my friends and family for me to slow down and take care of myself. Enjoying productivity and getting things done, I kept a full schedule with 2 jobs, family, and a heavy volunteer schedule.

Then, I hit my 40s. While enjoying everything I was doing, I found a good amount of stress came with the low margin I allowed myself. The combination of the stress and health is what I attribute to some anxiety challenges I started to have which wound up resulting in panic attacks. This got my attention. I tried to manage this new challenge with mediation but found that that had additional side effects. I tried to go back to my years of options and efforts to work out, meditate, journal, quiet time, etc. I started to notice the activities of those who were getting older in years but looked young vs. those who were the same age that looked old. This is when I started considering how my low margins helped me get a lot done but significantly added to my stress load. My stress load contributed to my compromised help and increased anxiety which then had its own ripple effect.

So maybe you are in denial yet about self-care and have people telling you that you need to slow down, or maybe you have had your own turn around moment and recognize the importance of self-care. I believe everyone needs to take care of their body, mind, and spirit they have, but speaking to the on-the-go mover and shaker, you especially need to take care of yourself. You connect with a lot of people, you have an impact and depending on your level of self-care will impact your ability to keep doing what you are doing as well as the degree of positivity you share as you are doing it. So, how do you do it?

#1) The Fundamentals. The fundamentals are those things that contribute to your on-going sustainability. When we are healthy and young we can easily take advantage of this health and get away with not doing the fundamentals. The more we age, the more we see the impact of this lack of self-care or the amazing shape of those who took the time. Health research and articles continually have similar suggestions:

- SLEEP. Don't cheat yourself. You need 8 hours.

- MOVE. Even a daily walk is better than nothing. Get a pedometer. Do 10K steps. Get outside (I lived in MN, I know how hard it can be.)

- WATER. Drinking your body weight in water is ideal, but for some of us, just MORE water is a win. Add lemon wedges or whatever helps you get as much as possible every day.

- GREENS. Eat more veggies and greens (kale, spinach, etc.). Honestly, the good greens are tough for me but the more often you add them to your diet, the easier it gets.

- ANTIOXIDANTS. Either with good foods (turmeric, cinnamon, oregano, blueberries, nuts, etc.) or a great supplement.

- BREATHE. Whether classic meditation or just 10 deep breaths a day, increase your moments to relax, de-stress, and fill your body with oxygen.

#2) Restoring your Body, Mind, and Spirit. I believe there is a difference between the self-care checklist and learning to listen to my inner self and intuition for self-care. A checklist might be used to help give ideas, get you started, or let you experience different options of what might truly be needed. Deeper self-care is not about being a slave to a checklist, rather answering the calling of the inner self. For example, if you are thirsty, the body needs water. You could look at the menu of drinks: soda, tea, coffee, juice, water... but you know what your body really needs you listen to your body and you will know if you try to drink the other options you will still be thirsty. The body needs water to be refreshed. Likewise in our self-care, it is important to learn how to listen to yourself and hear what your body, mind, and spirit is asking for.

- Checklist examples that include activities from common self-care suggestions in your daily and weekly routine:

- Body (helps your body physically feel better): massage, walk outside, eating a salad, working out, stretching, take a 10-minute break, eat fruit, eat breakfast, drink more water, cut sugar, get some sun, laugh

- Mind (helps reduce stress and clear the mind to relax): meditation, playing the piano or an instrument, reading a book, journaling, make a list, set a boundary, read positive quotes and inspirations, de-clutter, unplug for an hour

- Spirit (encourages the heart, bring joy and internal sense of peace): coffee with friends, listening to music, going out, dinner out, reading the Bible, prayer, keep a folder of cards & review, reduce or eliminate toxic and negative people in your feeds, volunteer

- Intuitive Direction. When you are able to listen to your intuition and inner voice, it will tell you what you need. It might sound like things that are on the self-care list or might be completely random. You might not want to do it, but understand how wise your body is and trust that it is giving you good direction in what you need. It might be like this:

- You have been inside all day on your computer. You feel sluggish and tired. You ask yourself, "What do I need to recharge?" GO FOR A WALK.

- You have been feeling uninspired and unmotivated. You ask yourself, "What do I need to refuel?"

- You feel lonely even though you have people all around you. You ask yourself, "What do I need to renew?" CALL YOUR OLD BFF FOR DRINKS.

- You feel overwhelmed and behind. You ask yourself "What do I need to de-stress?" MAKE A LIST.

- You feel frustrated and nervous about all your projects. You ask yourself, "What do I need to relax?" LISTEN TO MUSIC AND GO FOR A WALK.

Whatever it is, the point is that there isn't a right or a wrong. It is not a magic act. It is listening to your inner self and allowing your body to creatively tell you what is needed. This can sound a bit 'woo-woo' and hopefully it's clear that I am not talking about anything illegal or inappropriate, but as you get used to listening to your body (through being still and calming your mind and listening to your heart), you will get helpful information that does not come from the head and the neve rending list of things that could be done, rather true refueling and uplifting self-care that is just for you, at this time and moment to support you to be at your best!

https://ezinearticles.com/?Simple-Self-Care-for-Movers-and-Shakers&id=9951922

Do Not Ignore the Importance of Self-Care

Many times the hectic pace of life makes it difficult to do the things we need to do for ourselves. Whether it is time alone, meditation, reading, personal growth, or anything else that fills you up, taking the time for self-care is an important activity that should not be ignored.

NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOURSELF

Many people are driven so much by things such as money, success, recognition, even caring for others such as family and friends, that they forget the importance of relationships not just with others, but with themselves. What I mean by a relationship with yourself is taking the time to fully engage in fulfilling activities that replenish you, replenish your spirit, and allow you to be filled up.

When you are really "filled up" you are actually in a much better position to be successful in those other areas that drive you. Think about it. There has probably been at least one point in your life where you have felt overwhelmed by something. Stress at work, illness, kids, your spouse - these are all things that most of us will experience at some point in life, and the better prepared you are emotionally, physically and spiritually, the better you are able to handle these situations.

REMEMBER WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE

Having goals of regarding money, success, recognition are great, and it is important that you have goals, but it is also important to remember that there is more to life than just those goals. It is also important to realize that taking time to nurture your own needs will help you not only achieve your goals, but expand your boundaries as well.

For this reason you should not feel guilty about taking time for yourself. You are not neglecting other people or other responsibilities when you do so. As a matter of fact, it is not a zero sum gain when you nurture your needs. Instead, the result is that not only are you more fulfilled, but so are the people around you. The synergistic result can lead to results far beyond what you had originally imagined!

YOU CAN DO THIS!

So take fifteen or thirty minutes each day for self-care. Whether you meditate, write in a journal, listen to an audio book or podcast, watch a video, doing these things will make you feel better about yourself, make you happier and more relaxed, and help you to become more present in your daily life.

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Tips for Better Self Care

Tips For Better Self-Care

It can be difficult to make time for self-care in our busy schedules. We run from one commitment to another, filling every gap in our life with work, study, family and social events. The chaos of modern life makes it even more important that we take the time to care for our individual wellbeing, both physically and mentally.

If you are struggling with your own self-care, consider these five tips to improve your habits.

1. Add self-care to your normal routine

When planning your weekly schedule, make sure that you have time for self-care. Cementing its place in your routine means that you will be more likely to commit to self-care as you will have allocated time specifically reserved for it. The more often you practice self-care, the more it will become a habit and part of your regular life.

2. Do what suits you

Self-care looks for different for everyone. Some people enjoy getting outdoors, others like catching up with friends and some people prefer sitting at home losing themselves in a good book or movie. Identify what makes you feel better and commit to that. Donít feel pressured by what others consider self-care; long walks arenít for everyone.

3. Practice gratitude

Engaging in regular gratitude practice is a valuable habit and a worthwhile way to spend your allocated self-care time. Take some time each day or week to write down three things that you are grateful for. Try to think of unique things that have happened for that week, rather than repeating the same common things each time. It may be difficult at first, but the more you practice gratitude the easier it will become. Regular participation in gratitude exercises trains your brain to be more thankful and positive about the things you have in your life, rather than focusing on the things you donít have or things that arenít going so well.

4. Be brave and try something new

Trying something new is a great way to break the monotony of everyday life. Your mental health will benefit and you will learn new skills, both through the actual activity but also in regard to managing your nerves and being open to new opportunities. Itís a great way to take care of your mental, and depending on the activity, physical health.

It's time for you to make you a priority.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-for-Better-Self-Care&id=10259693

Three Ways To Improve Your Day Immediately

Stress in our daily routines can affect us all. It comes in many forms and it would be foolish to say that everyone experiences the same level of stress at the same time because we do not. However, from over 10 years of practicing stress reducing methods and exercises, I have found techniques I have used myself everyday to help make my day smooth or to help turn the tables when things are not going well.

Set Goals

Setting goals can be satisfying and help you to gain clarity and focus. I've been in situations where I've financially hit a brick wall. But you know what? I learned that you can do things even when funds are low. Injury, Illness, family hardship can take a toll, but if you can set goals, write them down and just focus on one task at a time, then it will help you gain focus and better outlook towards the future. Goals should get you excited.

10 Minute Breathing Sessions

Many things can happen in ten minutes. You can go to the grocery store, you can take a walk around the block, or make a phone call or two. Much can be done with this, so take time out to regain clarity. Take twenty minutes if you need, even an hour. Stretch, breath, walk, meditate.

Why do I recommend breathing exercises? Because it can help reset the mind and body and put you in a more balanced state.

Treat Yourself

Don't feel guilty treating yourself. You have to take care of number one before you can take care of two, three, and number fifty! Don't convince yourself that self care is selfish, because not giving your best is worse. You've workout all week, have a reward meal. Go see that movie, two hours away from the problem you've been hacking away to solve will help you move closer to a solution. Just getting a massage can make you feel great and put you in the right mindset. It has worked for me, and I remember the two voices in my head. One voice that was complaining and dragging me down, and another voice after treating myself that told me I should have done this sooner.

As you have read there are a combinations of strategies we can use to help us power through our day. Good days lead to good weeks which lead to good months and powerful years.

Remember to consult your mental healthcare professional if you feel like you're experiencing signs of depression or other mental conditions.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Ways-To-Improve-Your-Day-Immediately&id=9903893

Goals Vs Intentions, What Gives?

I've been sticking to my extra self-care practice once a day 90% of the time and it feels amazing!! Realizing some days it won't happen, but for the most part it will, has made all of the difference in feeling good instead of not. It can be easy to beat ourselves up if we're not perfect all of the time - and for me - if I can do this most of the time I am legitimately happy and satisfied and that's really all that matters. What will make you feel good about your goals and intentions this year?

So I've heard a lot of judgements lately about the word "goals" and how no one wants to crush anything anymore and how that doesn't feel good. I've peeled back the layers on this and hope this helps you in looking at what feels best for you. In today's article I identify the ego and how it plays a part in this practice.

Goals vs. Intentions

What I've come to realize is what's rubbing people the wrong way about "setting goals" is that it tends to be about pushing. Pushing for more, wanting more, never being satisfied with what you have, and continuing to strive. Bottom line meaning you are not enough. Whatever you have now is not good enough, meaning you're not good enough, as most people measure their self-worth by what they have or don't have and not by whom they are on the inside. Their worthiness comes from the external and is not internal.

This is the ego.

Those thoughts that are telling you don't have enough and need more. That you need to keep striving so that one day you can finally feel good enough after you have "made it". Whatever that means.

Here's the thing though. The ego is never satisfied. So if this the thinking you are identifying with and listening to...

IT WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH!

You will get there only to find you need more, and the cycle starts all over again.

So when people are getting upset with the term goal setting, what I really believe deep down is that most people are setting goals from their ego. And this is why it feels off. We're tired of this. We want a new approach that actually makes us feel good as we are now and not as though we are lacking in some way.

What does that look like...

DECISION.

The decision to follow our hearts and what brings us joy, and xoxo.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Goals-Vs-Intentions,-What-Gives?&id=9873970

Put Aside That Proud Badge of Honor of Being Busy

Ask anyone, "Hey, what you been up to lately?" and I'll guarantee the response will sound something like this, "I'm so busy! I barely have time to breathe!"

Or, maybe this, "There's just not enough hours in the day!"

Of course, it is said in a rush, so as to punctuate the importance of their busyness. To convince those who may listen, that they have a full, accomplished life.

Being busy, these days, is worn as a badge of honor. It is something we have come to be quite proud of and at any opportunity, we readily brag about it to others.

In fact, we have become so enamored with "being busy," we worship it as if it is a religion. We are deeply devoted to our made up generally agreed upon beliefs and practices, and, we observe them as if they contain a moral code which governs all human affairs.

Nothing else is as important than being busy, no matter how stretched or exhausted we may become.

Each day, each moment, without question, we scramble from one thing to the next. We work longer and longer hours. We let things pile up undone, bills unpaid. We often ignore family and friends, giving minimal attention to our loved ones. Our self care has taken a backseat to everything else. And, at the end of a long day, we flop into bed exhausted, only to wake to the same chaotic, over-full, tightly packed schedule the next day.

The insane thing is, we have come to believe, by doing so, we have fulfilled some sort of noble cause.

But, what if being busy is something you are not meant to be proud of? What if busyness is the major reason you do not have what you truly want or desire in life?

What if your money life suffers because of it, even if you make more?

Believe it or not, there is a correlation between your overly busy lifestyle and your unsatisfactory money life. And, when you release some of your busyness, your money picture nicely shifts right along with it.

How is that possible? Here are seven major reasons why...

Reason 1. When you are less busy, you are more present in the moment. You notice opportunities you would otherwise miss. And, you forego those things you used to do (or buy) in haste -- those things that didn't serve you.

Reason 2. When you are less busy, you recognize that motion is not necessarily progress. You then tend to prioritize more effectively and proceed with purpose.

Reason 3. When you are less busy, you notice what are real problems versus those that are not. You expend less energy on putting out fires that weren't actually fires to begin with.

Reason 4. When you are less busy, you take better care of yourself. You get more sleep. You eat better. Your health improves. You hug more.

Reason 5. When you are less busy, you take time to learn something new or gain a new skill -- like simple, money management skills which then you have time to implement.

Reason 6. When you are less busy, you actually have time to think, plan, and do nothing! You allow time to contemplate life (or your naval)... whatever feels good in the moment. You allow it to unfold.

Reason 7. When you are less busy, you remember to dream.

You actually make room for whatever must take place for that dream to come true.

Money does respond to quiet, purposeful moments. Those moments in which you set your intentions. Those moments when your full attention is on what is truly important to you.

Those moments in which you listen for the guidance from your soul which is always calling you to your higher purpose -- That is, if you but take the time to hear the guidance.

If you do, you will then take action that is intentional, purposeful, and mindful, and in line with your purpose. Not busy, over-extended, or stretched which only leads to burnout and dissatisfaction.

And, by the way, there is nothing more dangerous to money than burnout and dissatisfaction. It is, after all, the reason many of you love to shop!

Do you need to take some purposeful steps and yet, you are not clear on what those would be?

Do you wish to have guidance?

Don't go it alone... Let me support you while you zero in on the next best steps to take. There are useful steps you can take, specific to you, to help you along the way.

I'd love to guide and support you. Maybe a single session would do the trick? A one and done -- single, deep dive session to get at the heart of the matter.

One and Done -- Guideatude Financial Solutions Session

Don't Let Your Money Dreams Slip Away!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Put-Aside-That-Proud-Badge-of-Honor-of-Being-Busy&id=9753669

Practicing Extreme Self Care After Narcissistic Abuse

During a toxic relationship or relationship with a Narcissist we typically become so addicted to keeping them happy that we forget about taking care of ourselves. We put them first on our priority list and make sure that we are catering to their every need. Only to realize that what we do will never be acknowledged, appreciated or enough for a Narcissist. We make ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally sick by not putting our own happiness first. And this is one of the hardest lessons we learn after a break up with a Narcissist. After we leave them or they discard us for new supply, we are left with only ourselves to look at. But we have been so used to taking care of their needs that we don't know how to care for ourselves anymore. So where can we start?

The first thing you can do is become brutally honest with yourself and come to accept that you have placed yourself on the back burner for way too long. To understand that your happiness and self care should always be your priority. Even to be a good parent and to meet your children's needs, you can't pour from an empty cup. You must begin to make extreme Self care a daily habit. Your health and well being are important. Without it your quality of life is greatly diminished. Some things that have helped me to begin Self care is to take a few minutes every day for myself. In those few minutes I make sure I am doing something towards my own Healing and recovery.

Things such as reading a book on Narcissistic Abuse, writing, taking a warm bath, going for a walk, listening to podcasts or YouTube videos on Recovering from Narcissistic Abuse, Art Therapy, listening to music, spending time in nature, watching a funny movie, talking to a friend, painting my nails, drinking a nice cup of coffee, anything that brings you joy and comfort is self care. You can add your own unique things to this list. Taking the time to care for yourself will be a huge step forward in your own Healing. We must learn to make ourselves a priority again. Because ultimately the most important relationship you will have, is the relationship you have with yourself. You deserve to be treated with respect. So begin by treating yourself with respect first.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Practicing-Extreme-Self-Care-After-Narcissistic-Abuse&id=9281274