Self-care: the First Step towards Reaching your Goal

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Catherine Vial, One of Thousands of Health and Fitness Coaches on Noomii.

Self-care is the first step towards reaching your goal, be it to help loved ones or make the world a better place. Think about one of the first announcements on the airplane: “If you are traveling with children, make sure that your own oxygen mask is on first, before helping your children.” The same principle applies to life: you need enough energy and stamina to move forward… and to do that requires self-care, especially if you are not currently 100% satisfied with your career or relationships, or if you are a natural caretaker.
Self-care is not limited to spa experiences, it can be as simple as slowing down any activity. In my world, self-care includes any activity that nourishes and energizes you at a deep level.
Self-care should originate as a “want” not a “should”… we all have enough obligations. Just like our nutrition needs differ from one person to the the next, self care needs are individual. And just like with your eating habits, don’t be too hard on yourself and expect ups and downs.
You will find that taking better care of yourself will have a domino effect on your entire life. Stress nixes joy, creativity, learning, and slows down your metabolism. By starting your day slowly with a self-care activity, you will approach your career and relationships differently. You will no longer be resentful for not having enough “me time”… and your energy tank will be full.
Consider self-care a high-leverage wellness tool and a gift that keeps on giving. So, drop the guilt immediately and take care of your wonderful, powerful and unique self… and then save the world!
Tip of the Day: Post your top three self-care activities in a place where you will see them to reminded you to engage in self-care regularly. Some people schedule those activities on their calendar, while others prefer a looser approach. Find out what works best for you.
SAMPLE SELF-CARE MENU
APPETIZER
Steam room experience
One-hour by myself
Spinning class
Skin brushing from toe to head
30 minutes writing a diary
MAIN COURSE
A two-hour massage
A visit of my favorite museum
A whole day with my husband
Skyping with my Mom or a very close friend
A new haircut
A run in the forest, away from the city
Party like it’s 1999 2099
Deep cleansing facial
Bath with Epsom salts and essential oils
Writing bad poetry
Picking flowers
DESSERT
Meditation for as long as I want (or as long as I can)
A fascinating novel on a lounge chair
One rich creamy piece of dark chocolate

Thank you for checking out my website www.aiglehealth.com.
Catherine Vial, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach