Many people think that self-care is selfish, when in fact it is essential to our health and happiness–for our benefit and those around us. The notion that if you take time out of the day for yourself, you will get behind on your to-do list or ignore the needs of others, is a fallacy, a myth. Think of the old adage about being on an airplane and, in an emergency, you put the oxygen mask on yourself first, even before your child. In reality, if you attend to your needs and desires first, you are better equipped to deal with life’s many challenges, care for others, and ultimately live a more fulfilling life.
Self-care is the new health-care and it starts with you, encompassing mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It’s about prioritizing you throughout your day, not about shoulds, rather what will help us feel our best.
There may be days that you struggle with an activity or just don’t want to do it. Let it be ok, take a break, and remember to keep moving forward.
Building self-awareness is the first step, and today’s activity is designed to help you do just that, by gauging how you perceive your life at this moment, and discovering what you can do to shift in a more positive direction.