Fit & Fabulous: 5 things to tick off your self-care list this week

This month my theme on the blog has been 31 days to focus on YOU  If you want to catch up you can click here to read through the posts so far.

Today (if you haven’t already started), it is time to start ticking off some of the things that I listed on my 31 days of ideas, or maybe you came up with your own list.  If you didn’t get a copy you can download the list here to get you started.

Your goal for this week is to tick off 5 things to do that are JUST FOR YOU!  Who is up for the Challenge?

Being fit, fabulous, healthier and happier doesn’t just mean working out.  It means nurturing your mind, body and soul.  That means taking time to look at these three areas of your life and ensuring that you are doing things to keep healthy and feeling fabulous.

We can all have great intentions of making changes in our lives but what is the point if we don’t actually DO anything.

I want to share two quotes with you about self-care and why it is so important.

Sometimes we feel guilty even thinking about doing something for ourselves.  We feel we should always be putting others first.  Whether you have a family or are an empty nester you will always have responsibilities but that doesn’t mean you need to put yourself last.  Respecting yourself as an individual with your own needs should never be underestimated.

This quote by Eleanor Brownn shows me how important it is to look after ourselves.  If we don’t replenish ourselves we aren’t able to adequately give our love and support to our family and friends.  We become a better person when we nurture our own well-being.

5 things to tick off your self-care list this week

1. Sit in the sunshine or your favourite chair and read that book you have been wanting to start.
2. Take a bubble bath, turn on some music, light some scented candles and relax for half an hour
3. Go for a walk and actually look at your surroundings
4. Take 5 minutes each morning to clear your mind and ‘just be’ in the  moment
5. Make a plan to do something you have always wanted to do but never had the opportunity to do it.

How to achieve your goal?

We can all procrastinate, say ‘we don’t have the time’, say ‘we have responsibilities’ BUT you and your well-being is JUST AS IMPORTANT.  SO MAKE THE TIME!

Get up an hour earlier

I love early mornings – the house is still and quiet and I find it such a calm and peaceful way to start my day.  It is surprising what you can do in one hour without interruption.

Schedule in your ‘me time’

Making time each day for yourself is the ultimate but if you realistically can’t do this then at least schedule in some times during the week.  If you make an appointment with yourself to focus on you then you are more likely to make the time.

Keep track of your progress

Recently Shelley from A Woman in Her Prime, left me a comment about how she motivates herself to be consistent with exercise.  It was in response to my post Be Consistent and See Results  Shelley has a paper planner and uses stickers to mark out when she has completed her walk.  This visual helps her look back over the month to see how consistent she was and finds that this motivates her.

I think this is a great idea for tracking your ‘me time’.  Maybe you could try this approach and then review at the end of the month.  It will certainly show you if you have made time for yourself.

The health benefits of making time for yourself

• Lifts your mood
• Reduces stress
• Increases your energy levels
• Increases self satisfaction
• Makes you a happier and more relaxed person to be around

So are you going to schedule your ‘me time’ this week?

Will you tick off my 5 suggestions or do you have others on your list?

Let’s Keep Sizzling!