Hey there! As my kids March Break comes to a close I thought I would share some of the things I have learned and my thoughts on slowing down and self care. As a business woman, I know that achieving your goals can be a tough journey as you try to balance work, family and friends. But one thing that's often overlooked is the importance of self-care. I mean, let's be real, taking time for ourselves can feel like an uphill battle, right? I was often riddled with guilt if I took any time for myself because I felt I wasn’t being present for important things like my family and work. In summary I completely sucked at self care!!!
But trust me, it's worth the effort. I learned this lesson the hard way after developing alopecia, not once, not twice, but three times! (Yep, it took three strikes for me to learn, apparently.) And you know what the diagnosis was? Stress. So, as my hair slowly grows back (thank goodness!), I've promised myself and my family to slow down and prioritize self-care.
Now, I know what you might be thinking, "But Kimberly, I don't have time for self-care, I have too many goals to achieve!" But hear me out. Self-care is actually crucial for achieving your goals and leading a healthy, balanced life. It's like the old saying goes, "you can't pour from an empty cup."
So, what have I learned this last year? First of all, self-care helps you manage stress. And let's face it, stress is a natural part of life. But too much of it can be harmful. By engaging in activities like exercise, meditation, just taking a pause to watch a sunset, visiting a friend, or enjoying a hobby, you can help manage stress and stay focused.
Secondly, taking breaks to recharge can actually boost your productivity. Yes, you heard that right. By making time for self-care, you can come back to your work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your tasks.
Thirdly, self-care improves your relationships. When you're burnt out and stressed, it can be harder to maintain positive relationships. By taking care of yourself, you can be more present and engaged in your interactions with others.
And last but not least, self-care enhances your overall well-being. It's not just about relaxing – it's also about taking care of your physical health. Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly are all important aspects of self-care that contribute to your overall well-being.
So, in 2023, and as winter ends and turns to spring let's not forget to set aside time for ourselves and engage in activities that nourish our minds, bodies, and souls. Trust me, it's worth it. And who knows, you might just find that achieving your goals becomes a little easier with some self-care in the mix. So, my recommendation stop and watch that sunset, sit by a fire, have a coffee with a friend, take a long bath, go for a walk, dance in your kitchen, go ahead, take care of yourself, and let's crush those goals together!