Whole Life Makeover: 15 ways to be good to yourself

Women take care of other people every day. So self-care is essential to maintaining our energy and health. Do you practice self-care daily to balance the automatic giving nature in many of you?

Self-care is not selfish or self-indulgent. We need to feel as though we have something to give others, and this comes from nurturing ourselves. If we take care of our own needs first, then we can give from a place of surplus or resourcefulness. When we nurture others from a place of fullness we feel energized and renewed instead of depleted and spent.

The following questions stimulate ways of practicing self-care that would fit your needs, motivations and unique ways of feeling good.

1. What activities do you find relaxing and enjoyable? Do two of these that would bring pleasure to your life.
• keeping a journal
• riding a bike
• having a bath, hot tub, steam, sauna
• spending time in nature
• playing a musical instrument or singing
• playing with animals or young children
• taking a walk
• going for a jog
• working in your yard or garden
• taking a nap
• sunbathing
• practicing a martial art
• meditating
• enjoying an aerobic sport
• enjoying a craft or hobby
• camping or hiking
• enjoying a snow or water sport
• practicing yoga
• getting or giving a massage
• reading for pleasure
• attending theatre, concerts, performances
• practicing dance or gymnastics

2. Who can you be yourself with and share your feelings with? Plan to spend some time with these people.

3. What or who makes you laugh? Plan to do some of these activities or be with these people.

4. What activities bring you into the present moment? Take some time to be in the here and now. (Hint: When we look closely at a flower, listen to music, take a warm shower we use our senses which helps bring us into the present moment.)

5. What activities would you enjoy doing for others? Plan to help someone else as it helps us to help ourselves and gets us out of the confines of our own mind or thinking.

6. How would your ideal self handle a difficult task you need to do? This mental rehearsal or visualization can set you up for success in stressful circumstances.

7. When you make a mistake how could you look at it differently? What can you learn from this mistake that will help you in your future? Note the new approaches you would like to take next time.