#2. Putting Yourself in the Equation

Wow! What a morning it has been and it’s not even 9 a.m. yet! There’s been a lot of discussion about self-care and about putting yourself into the equation of life, even during extremely busy times. I even reflected on it as I was getting ready to start work with a 9 a.m. meeting.

When we become busy, we feel that we can handle it. But what do we usually do or are even celebrated for doing? We let go of the activities that nourish us. Of course, many of us stop eating properly or sometimes stop eating altogether because we’re too busy. Then the supposed “short” busy season stretches longer, and you start to feel burned out.

You begin to notice that you’re not showing up the way you’d like for your job, your family, your spouse, your kids, your friends fill in the blank. Even when it comes to activities you enjoy, you don’t feel you have the energy to fully experience them. Then you become hard on yourself, potentially starting a vicious cycle that could land you in the doctor’s office or a therapist’s chair. Sounds drastic, right? It may not happen but maybe it could.

That’s why fiercely guarding time for yourself is so important. It may seem selfish, and perhaps you picked up that belief from your surroundings. Who knows?

But I want to tell you this: putting yourself into the equation of your life prioritizing your self-care helps fill your gas tank so you’re not depleted and can show up for your loved ones and for what’s needed. Not so selfish after all, is it?

Give yourself five minutes or even better, ten minutes per day to nourish yourself. Sleep does not count! Go outside into nature, read a book, try laughter therapy yes, literally laugh for no reason. Do what nourishes you. And when you do, not only will you feel better, you’ll be able to show up more fully for what matters most in your life.