Self Care and Health for Women are pretty synonymous. Self Care is Wellness. With the Holidays right around the corner, I thought this might be a great time to talk about Self Care. We all get so busy and distracted during this time that it is easy to neglect Self Care. But, with all the ‘potential stress’ that comes with the Holidays, it’s more important than ever to put Self Care on YOUR schedule each and every day.

The Importance of Self Care

If you’re looking to live a happier, healthier, more fulfilling and satisfying life, you need to understand the importance of self care. Taking care of yourself is not a selfish act. If you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll find it harder to take care of others. Just look at what they tell you on an airplane when there is an emergency. You need to grab your oxygen first before you can give it to others.

So, what exactly is self-care? Simply put … self care is “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.” Wouldn’t you agree that it’s pretty synonymous with Wellness?

Just please note that Self Care is a lot more inclusive than most people realize. Self-care is about taking care of yourself the same way you take care of others you care about and love. It is about knowing what your mind, body and soul needs. That’s why we chose the picture of this beautiful Diamond because it represents the many different facets of Self Care and Wellness and how valuable they are.

Clearing Up Any Confusion

There is a common misconception that self-care relates to anything that makes you feel good. For example, eating a piece of dark chocolate or taking a long luxurious bubble bath. While a lot of self-care activities do make you feel happier, not all self-care feels good at the time you are doing it. Reconciling your bank account is a great example. This activity may not make you feel good at the time but will definitely be a positive influence on your self-care afterwards.

So, understand that self-care is more about doing things that are good for the mind, body and soul overall. It is doing exactly what you need to do to feel the best all around. This includes mentally, physically, and emotionally as well as socially, spiritually.

All Aspects of Self Care

And its also important to note that all the different aspects of self care do relate to one another. Years ago I had written an article, and then a podcast, entitled ‘Food, Sex and Money’ What Do They Have In Common? On face value it appears they may have nothing in common but in fact, they have a lot in common.

Each person has their own style of giving themselves self-care. This can be anything from getting a new hair cut, quitting an exhausting job, or taking the time to read each night before going to sleep. (If you need any ideas or suggestions, check out Self Care Pampering Ideas).

Taking care of yourself should be a priority, and not something that is overlooked. There are an incredible amount of benefits that result from a self-care routine. If you are not taking care of yourself eventually it can lead to anxiety, a sub par immune system, illness lack of confidence, less productivity at home and work, and possibly cause deteriorating relationships with family and friends.

Questions to Gain Clarity about Self Care and Health 

To really understand self-care, you need to understand yourself first. Ask yourself these questions to gain some clarity.

• What are the things I need to do to feel good?
• What things help me feel complete?
• What do I crave most in life?
• What makes me happiest? (need more Happy? Check out our FREE 30 Days to Happiness Ebook)
• 
What are the positives in my life?
• What and who am I thankful for?
If I had more time, what would I do?
• 
If I had more money, what would I do?
• What new activities have I been wanting to try?
• What activities help me relieve anxiety and stress?
Is there anything I can eliminate from my daily schedule that is preventing me from taking care of myself?
• 
Is there any negativity that I can cut out of my life?
• What can I start saying no to?
• Do I make time to be social?
• 
Do I have enough quiet time just for me?
• Is my exercise routine meeting my health needs?
• 
Am I eating healthy or what can I do to start eating healthier?
• Who makes me feel my best?

The way you answer these questions (as well as others) will help you find out where to start with your self care. Once you have defined your needs all you need to do now is to schedule them in daily (as you would a doctors appointment) and do them to reap all the wonderful benefits.

Self Care and Health Benefits

Self-care is extremely beneficial for your optimal health. These are some of the amazing benefits you’ll experience by practicing self care over time. Think of self care the same way you would building a muscle — you have to work it consistently over time to see it grow and blossom.

• Boost Mood and Increased Positivity — Adding these activities to your schedule will give you something to look forward to. Now you will no longer be thinking about a day that wasn’t so great, and only be looking forward to reading that book in total silence or having a nice relaxing mani and pedi.
• Increased Self-Confidence — You are your needs are now a top priority. Self-confidence and self esteem will naturally increase because you are simply doing the things that make you feel good.
• Improved Immunity — Self-care gives your body a break from anxiety, stress and emotional trauma. This helps lower your risk for health concerns associated with chronic stress, like heart disease and diabetes.(we have a FREE training on boosting your immunity)
• Better Relationships — The more your needs are met the better your relationships will be with other people. feel important
• Higher Productivity — All the benefits that have been stated above help with increased productivity at home and at work. Less stress, higher immunity, and higher self-confidence all help to boost productivity.

Self Care is Based on the Individual

Remember, self-care is all about you as an individual. So, what you need to do to take care of yourself won’t be the same as your spouse, friends, and family. After this routine is put in place you will notice a significant change in your health and overall well-being.

I will help you to master your self care which means taking control of your physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, sexual, and financial wellness!

Phew, that sounds like a lot! But when you start to think about it, they are all intertwined. When you are out of balance in one area of your life, it can have an effect on the others. By using the tools, strategies and tips inside the Self Care Whisperer taking control of your wellness becomes much simpler. Self Care and Health for Women should be a priority and a focus this year.

Grab the Self Care Whisperer’s Self Care Planner today. It includes an Educational Component as well as all the planning tools you’ll need. This planner can be the first step in helping you to begin mastering your Self Care. Don’t delay … check it out here—you’ll be thrilled you did!