What it actually means to take care of yourself.

This morning is Monday. The start of a new week. I have been trying to strike a balance between consuming less than the amount I contribute, which means I have to contribute something for every mindless Instagram scroll or Facebook glance. I have to contribute to my body, my mind, my family, my job, my clients before I consume anything outside of that.

I will tell you what. once I made that rule I was on social media a lot less!

This brings me back to my morning today. I dropped Nova at her grandmothers' and took time this morning to think about what I want to contribute. Rather than jumping on social media, I did a yoga practice, meditated, read a passage from a spiritual book, and decided to jump on the computer to write a blog post.

All the while keeping this mantra in my mind "Contribute before you consume".

So here I am on a Monday morning, contributing.

What does it mean to actually take care of yourself?  

1. You own your shit and take steps to make things better.

No one wants to say it but people that keep nagging and complaining about the same issues and don't do anything to change are the most aggravating types of people to spend time around. EVERYONE has problems. Everyone struggles. But the difference between resilient people and chronic complainers is that resilient people own their shit and know they have to take steps to change things.

Don't be a chronic complainer! And if you think you are, let's chat! (hahaha. But seriously.).

Own your stuff! Maybe even sulk in it for a few days. But then figure out how you will go about changing it. This doesn't mean you have to change it alone. It also doesn't mean that what you are going through isn't worth complaining about. Because life is hard and yes sometimes shit sucks! Complain away, just not for too long. Remember you are resilient and can take the steps to make any situation better.

2. You surround yourself with people that want you to be happy.

There are haters out there. People who are only happy when they make someone else miserable. Notice the feelings and energy when you are around certain people. Notice even people on social media that may make you feel uncomfortable or trigger you. unfollow them. Notice if people drain you vs uplift you. Because you actually have a choice who you surround yourself with.

Let me say that again. You have a choice who you decide to be around.

Yes, even if that person is your husband. Notice it and CHANGE IT.

• You can get divorced.

• You actually don't have to talk to your mother if she is toxic.

• You also can decide not to be friends with your best friend anymore if she is always putting you down.

It goes for everyone in your life! This brings me to number 3, "Audit your life".

3. You audit your life every few months.

Journaling and reflecting on the past 3 to 4 months is a great way to see what is working and what isn't.

Where you are feeling stuck or unfulfilled can be a clue to what you want to work on or change.

On the other hand, also acknowledging what is going well and what you love about your life is a guide that your values are being met in certain areas of your life.

Use these journal prompts to audit your life every few months:

What is draining you?

What isn't working?

How is what you are doing now holding you back from the life you want?

What are you grateful for?

What is filling you up?

What is working in your life?

How will you continue to do more of these things?

4. You honor your body and overall health

Movement is one of the best ways to support your body and mind. I am not saying go out and run 5 miles. I am saying stand up, stretch, go for a walk in the sun. This body you were given holds your beautiful soul. Make sure to cherish it by keeping it strong.

Nutrition: What we feed our body matters. Intuitive eating isn't about starving yourself or "bad vs good" foods. It is about being conscious of what you are putting in your body and how your body responds to it. EVERYBODY is different. Do what feels best for you.

How do you sabotage your health?

So often we know what we are doing that isn't supporting us, but it is easier in the short run. So we don't go for the walk, we eat the chips because they are convenient and so on.

Where do you think you could adjust and make a lifestyle choice to honor your body?

5. you know who in your life can help support you

Have your support network! I tell clients this all the time.

WHO can support you with WHAT?

Which friend can just listen? What family member can give you a hug? Do you have a therapist to call when you are feeling depressed? Do you have a coach that can help you move through blocks?

Knowing who you can call or reach out to in different situations is another way you can take care of your emotional wellness.

Allowing someone to be there for you when you need support is strong and it takes a very strong person to know themselves that deeply.

Journal prompt: Who can support you best in certain situations?

Examples: My mom can support me through an emotional time. My brother can support me if I have questions about my finances. My best friend can listen to me without judgment.

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If you are interested in understanding what your core values are go to my free 5-Star Day Self-care download. This worksheet will help you live each day with more passion, alignment and purpose.

I love connecting with everyone so if you are looking for support I offer a free 30-minute coaching consult to chat and get to know each other. See if coaching is right for you at this particular point in your life. I offer support to New Moms who are looking to create purposeful lives. If this is you let's connect! Schedule your FREE Consult here!