“You can’t pour from an empty jug” is a saying that I keep close to my mind. If I don’t have enough for myself, I can’t give to myself or others. Taking care of ourselves should be paramount. “Self care” should be practiced every single day. Let me be clear- self care is not indulgence. It is not about buying an expensive new wardrobe or designer shoes. It is not about taking a spa day. It is a discipline. It takes discipline to do the things that are good for us instead of what feels good in the moment. And it takes discipline to take full and complete responsibility for our own well-being.
Self care is not selfish – in fact it’s vital. If you want to thrive and live a healthy and long life, daily habits of self-care are so important. It’s not about just fitting in “me time” to your busy day. It’s about making time for yourself as a regular “activity” as part of your daily life.
Self-care is also a discipline because it’s not something you do once in a while when the world gets crazy or when you get infirmed. It’s what you do every day, every week, month in and month out. It’s taking care of yourself in a way that doesn’t require you to “indulge” in order to restore balance. It’s making the commitment to stay healthy and balanced as a regular practice. Self care is about physically and mentally nourishing my mind, body and soul. It is usually something that is relaxing and calming as well as intellectually and physically stimulating and challenging. What do you do to practice self care? If I can help you learn to practice self care, please contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com I’d love to help you!