Why taking care of yourself first is important

I used to think that self care was about all the nice things that I treated myself to such as pedicure, massage, lunches and coffee. I'm not saying it isn't, but it's more to it than that. I believe it's about everything and anything that nourishes, nurtures, and respects your body, mind and soul. It takes practice, lots of practices. For many, including me, having an intention is a great way to start the ball rolling. But making a start can be hard because 'there's always tomorrow' kind of thinking. Sometimes we overthink things about where or how to start, what it is that we need to do and how we can start doing it. Then excuses sometimes follow thick and fast. Well, as you know, making excuses isn't going to change anything. Overthinking isn't going to get you anywhere. But action will. Good intention followed by action will get you started and motivated. When you start seeing and feeling the difference will keep you going. Once you get going, it becomes a habit and eventually it becomes a lifestyle and a way of life. It requires determination and motivation to get into the mindset 'OK, I'm doing this for ME. To change my life, how I feel about myself, my life and my health, make me feel happier, sleep better, take control and so on.

The most important thing for me is inner peace. This is my biggest motivation and drive. Practising self care is essential and non-negotiable. It happens everyday. Being mindful about what you're doing, saying and feeling in itself is an act of self-care; it's a good start if you're not sure or don't know how you could possibly embed it in your daily routine. It's also about being gentle and kind with yourself.

Now, have a think, write things down and let me know, if you'd like, what is or has been your motivation to start or change something that you know going to be good for you? Did you go and do it or did you make any excuses? Be honest with yourself. What have you tried and stopped doing for whatever reason? What has been your roadblocks or success?

I so want to help women to take care of themselves better first so they can give the world and their loved ones their best. I have had a lot of help, from friends, personal trainer to business coach and everything else in between. It can be difficult to ask for help because we think we have to know and do everything. Asking for help too is an act of self care. Why suffer alone when you don't need or shouldn't have to. It's also not easy to change bad habits and stick to the new ones, it really can be hard to be accountable to yourself. So this is where I come in as your coach, someone who you're accountable to and to motivate and inspire you, to guide and support you instil the positive changes which are sustainable in the long term.

In the meantime, here's my top tips to start your self-care practice:

• Be gentle and kind with yourself, you're doing your best. When you're having a bad day or have had a bad day, find a quiet moment, take few deep breaths - inhale fully and and slowly, then exhale slowly and steadily. You're having a bad day, not a bad life - think about what happened, what you did about it and what you'd do if it happens again. Think about how you dealt with that situation, what could you have done differently. Forgive yourself, forgive others and make peace with yourself. Move on knowing you've done your best in that particular situation.

• Be mindful about what you say, do and feel. They way we say, do and feel reflect what's happening inside us - are they in alignment? If not, what's happening and why? Journaling is excellent to pour out your thoughts. I find when I journal I reflect and find what has worked, not worked, should let go and learn more. It helps me to learn more about myself.

• Show up for yourself. Do something for you every single day. Move - go for a walk, even it's only 15 minutes, or workout to improve your fitness level. Stillness and focus - meditate, journal deep breathing exercises. Attend to the chores that you've put off. Rest. This is all 'me' time. These are the practices that I do, you all have different routines and practices, but the message is just 'do something for YOU' that will benefit your health and wellbeing. Make this non-negotiable.

When these become a routine, other things will follow more easily, because you've started prioritising you. I'd love to hear from you so let me know what you think and I can be of any further help, just drop me a line. 

You can sign up for my FREE Daily Journal prompt to help you get started and sign up for my newsletter. I have TWO spaces for 6 or 12 week coaching sessions in January. More details can be found in here.

Have a beautiful week ahead and remember be gentle with yourself, you're doing your best.

Lots of love

Claryn xx