Self care is not a reward for working hard or making a target. It’s not reserved for the times when you’re worn out and need to recover. You should be taking care of yourself 24/7.
Remember the old adage of putting your air mask on first... you have to take care of yourself to be able to take care of anyone else.
You have to be an adult and be mindful of your own needs. Don’t buy into the fallacy that you have to drain yourself before deserving to take time for yourself. You don’t have to abandon yourself to be a good wife and mother.
And, it’s not just about caring for your body. You need to also care for your mind and spirit. Take time to connect with other people for your own pleasure and benefit.
One step you can take toward better self care is to be attentive of what’s happening in your life. What’s on your agenda today? How can you prepare for that? Take care of your upcoming needs just as you would for a child. Take a sweater, pack a snack and treat yourself like someone you love.
Set your boundaries so you can say "no." The person you’re going to turn down will be okay. You can do it in a compassionate, respectful and caring way.
You know you better than anyone. You have a pretty good idea of what you need to do for yourself.
Listen as Tracey Cleantis joins Dr. Pamela Peeke to invite you to care for yourself.
Tracey Cleantis is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the author of the critically acclaimed book, The Next Happy: Let Go of the Life You Planned and Find a New Way Forward.