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Health & Fitness

Taking Care of Ourselves

Self-care involves getting back to basics like eating healthy, exercise, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep.

In this stressful and fast-paced world that we live in, self-care is such an important component to staying healthy and balanced, but so many people do not take the time to care for themselves. 

I used to be one of them, burning the candle at both ends, and then wondering why I was so tired all of the time. Sure, I was getting things accomplished, but at what price?  I have since learned that we are not any good to anyone else unless we are caring for ourselves first and foremost, even as parents.  Once we are healthy, balanced and centered can we be of benefit to the people we love, as well as ourselves, and be much happier in the long run.

Getting back to basics is just that, and includes simple things like eating healthy, exercise, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep.  Are you doing this on a regular basis?  During those extremely stressful times in our lives, it is self-care that should be our top priority.

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Having backed off and not running a mile a minute has actually put life back at a much more relaxed pace for me.  Learning to find my center and balance was quite a lesson to learn, and I wouldn't change things ever to go back to the way it was.

What a wonderful feeling to be happy and enjoy all of what life has to offer.  The simple things really do make a huge difference.  Knowing that you are taking care of yourself has such a positive impact on your life and outlook.  Taking time each day, even for just 5-10 minutes, to quiet the mind, breathe and relax has so many benefits.

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What does self-care mean to you?  Remind yourself that this is your life and your journey.  Are you taking the time to enjoy it, or are you rushing through to the next thing and missing the present moment?  The present moment is all we really have.  Why worry about yesterday which you cannot change, and tomorrow never comes because it will become today, which is the present.  Worry and fear serve no purpose other than to add unnecessary stress to your already busy life. 

They are not worth spending any time or energy on as they won't change the current situation.  Are you spending time caring for the one body that you have?  No one else is going to take care of it; that responsibility lies with you.  Be good to yourself, and gentle during tough and/or difficult times.  We need to periodically cut ourselves some slack. 

To your health and well-being, friends!

~Coach Vida, certified life and wellness coach

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