Another way to care for yourself is to make time to check-in with yourself at the beginning of the day, and at the end of the work day, when you still have a little time left to engage in self-care.
Before you start asking yourself questions, take a moment to take a few deep breaths and center yourself. Bring yourself back to the present instead of rushing ahead in your mind. Making time to acknowledge what you need, on many different levels, can help you prioritize how you use your time that day. The hope is that when you arrive at the end of the day, you feel a greater sense of satisfaction and purpose.
- What does my heart need today? What’s my interior emotional tone? Am I calm, nervous, worried, a little worn down, or sad? Once you acknowledge your emotional tone, ask yourself: What would be the best thing I could do to support my heart today?
- Should I make some time to be quiet by myself?
- Would reading a good book help?
- Should I reach out to someone I love who loves me back?
Pick something you can do for yourself and schedule it into your day.
- What does my body need today?
- Am I tired?
If you’re tired, make sleep a priority for three nights this week. Schedule your bedtime.
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- When was the last time I had some vegetables or ate some fruit?
If this question is hard to answer, make a point of adding something from the garden to your diet today.
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- When was the last time I exerted myself or went for a nice long walk?
- Ask yourself, can I add a little more walking to my day? If so, when can I do it?
- Did I make a date with myself to go to the gym, or take an exercise class?
- Can I ask a friend to join me in a physical activity?
- When was the last time I exerted myself or went for a nice long walk?
Protect your time, mark it in your calendar.
- What does my spirit need today? Should I make time to meditate, to laugh, read an inspiring text, journal or pray? How can I connect with the divine or spiritual in my life today? If not today, then when this week?
If this is a personal priority. Treat it accordingly. Make time for it.
- What does my mind need today? Is there a question or activity or task that my brain wants to take on? Am I craving excitement, information, accomplishment, or something else? Once you acknowledge your mind’s needs, decide whether you can make time to act on this desire.
I’m placing the mind lower on the list of priorities, because I believe that our U.S. culture prioritizes the mind, and puts the body, heart and spirit last–which is why I’ve inverted the order in this particular article.
At first, acknowledging these different aspects of yourself and making time for them might feel strange, or even selfish. But the more you nourish all the different pieces of your self, the more you will be able to give back to the people who share your life.