Self-care. We all know what it means. We’ve all done a lot of it over the years. In fact, we’ve probably practiced dozens upon dozens of ways to take care of ourselves, manage stress, and live healthier lives. How many became habits?
I heard someone speak yesterday who talked about the 21 days it takes to establish a new habit. One of the things that struck me is when she said, “Commitment is easy. Consistency is hard.” Consistency is hard. (And she said it twice for emphasis, too!) She is so very right. We can all get motivated to do something good and healthy for ourselves that will translate into something good and healthy for our business, too. That commitment can be summoned up with ease and carry us through those first few days. It’s the 21 days that stretches our commitment to the thin line that often snaps and the 21 day clock starts anew.
This wonderful motivational speaker, Deb Cabral of The DeClutter Coach also stated that“having that goal in writing AND LOOKING AT IT EVERY DAY” is the way to maintain that motivation to the 21 day finish line and establishment of a new habit.
Here are a few self-care strategies you can choose, write down, look at every day, and practice to give yourself a fighting chance on the 21 day road to establishing at least one newhealthy self-care habit:
- Meditate daily, and, preferably in the morning. Even if only for 5 minutes, this can do wonders to start your day off on the right foot: centered, calm, and focused. I’ve been doing this and am well on my way to the 21 days. It’s been amazing how even 5 minutes has a lasting effect throughout my day. In fact, it becomes easy to remind myself to focus on my breathing or to close my eyes for a “mini-meditation” of even just 30 seconds or a minute when my day and stress level rev up.
- Get more rest. I must admit, I am terrible at this one. I’m a bit of a night owl and love the quiet of my otherwise busy house after everyone else goes to sleep. It can be very productive business time. However, it’s very easy to get lost in a project as the time ticks away and suddenly I’m facing a sleep deficit before I even get to tomorrow. For me, this one really requires effort to choose a reasonable time for bed and to make that happen. It makes everything flow more easily the next day, including productivity.
- Drink water. I do like water and know how important it is to remain hydrated. It can be easier said than done. Use whatever techniques work for you. Keep a water bottle with you at all times. Fill a large pitcher at the start of the day and work at it until it’s empty. Follow a cup of coffee or tea with a full glass of water. Choose it at mealtime, whether at home or a restaurant. A slice of lemon goes a long way to making it more refreshing.
- Eat more fruits and veggies. We all know this one, too, and can incorporate it into our shopping plans. Yet, how many pounds of greens gone bad do we toss each week from the bottom drawers of our fridges? It takes some planning and presence of mind to have a little with each meal. I sometimes need to catch myself from thinking “Oh, I’ll save those for tomorrow’s meal.” If by “tomorrow’s meal” I mean trash day’s fridge clean out, I am not doing my body or my wallet much good. Eat them as soon after buying them as possible. Make it a habit to buy (and eat!) more regularly.
- Connect. What could be more easy? And, yet, it’s another “put ‘er ‘offer.” Sit down today, right now and write a letter, even a quick note to someone you care about. Write that thank you. Zip off that birthday card. Make a phone call to someone that matters in your life. Time really is precious and it makes no promises to wait for us. Connection fills us up, more than numbers 1 through 4 above. It’s easy. It matters. Remind someone important that they matter, too. You’ll be giving yourself a wonderful gift. And your business will thank you, too. For in filling ourselves up, we have more to give to, not only our friends and family, but to the important connections we make in business.
Pick at least one self-care tip to start, or come up with your own. Write it down. Look at it every day. Practice it. Today is Day 1. Let me know what happens on your way to Day 21. Comment below or email me at deb@debcoman.com. I’d love to hear from you!
