​Making Some Time for YOU.

Make some time for you

​Making Some Time for YOU.

In continuing with the theme of my last few newsletters, I wanted to talk about Self-Care. This is a topic that many people do not engage in, and one that EVERYONE would benefit from engaging in. Self-Care can take on many different forms, but it is completely individual to you and what you need.

As Summer is winding down, I am sure that many of you feel exhausted from the busy schedule that these past few months brought. Many of you may still be continuing on with the busy schedule and are feeling completely worn down. So how do you engage in Self-Care to help yourself recharge?

For some, it is a massage, a facial, or a vacation. Although, Self-Care does not have to be extravagant and actually should take on a small form that can be executed each day. We need to be able to take care of ourselves, in order to best be able to take care of others. We tend to put others first and find ourselves feeling totally and completely burnt out. We have all heard the phrase {Put on your own oxygen mask, before you help someone else put on theirs}. There is definitely a reason for this. If we fail to put our own mask on and pass out from the lack of oxygen while helping someone else, then we were no help to either of us. The same goes for being a Mother, Father, Friend, Child, Sibling, Etc. We cannot be the best that we can in a relationship, if we first do not care for ourselves. 

Our society has given us this idea that if we care for ourselves, then we are being selfish. However, just the opposite is true. We can only be our best if we care for ourselves. 

So how do you set this into motion? Well, I will give you a list of some common Self-Care Techniques that are used by many, but I would love for you to cater these to yourself. Play around with some of them and see which ones fills you up the most and helps you feel recharged. If none of these work for you, find something else that works. 

1. Taking time out of your day to take some deep breaths (See video in the left panel for an example of Square Breathing). 
2. Getting your go to coffee from your favorite coffee shop. 
3. Taking 15 minutes to go take a walk by yourself. 
4. Taking a bubble bath each night. 
5. Be Selfish - Do 1 thing for yourself each day, just simply because it makes you happy. 
6. Unplug for 30 minutes - Turn everything to airplane mode and take that time for yourself. Requests can wait 30 minutes. 
7. Do a body scan - Give yourself 10 minutes to mindfully scan your body. 
8. Go to a Yoga class/Do Yoga at home. 
9. Go for a run. 
10. Be still - Sit quietly for a few minutes to refresh. 
11. Take a nap
12. Watch your favorite T.V. show that makes you laugh. 
13. Sit in the Sun for 15 minutes. 
14. Sit with your emotions without judgment - be okay with where you are at and what you are feeling. 
15. Journal.
16. Read a book.
17. Take a day off.
18. Treat yourself to Lunch. 
19. Get a massage.
20. Go on a hike. 

You can see how Self-Care is very versatile and can be whatever is the most helpful for you! It is simply about taking some time for yourself. 

Some Apps that I have found to be very helpful in encouraging Self-Care are:

1. Calm - Provides some breathing and meditation exercises.
2. Intend - This can help remind you of a goal that you are trying to set and will send you reminders. (e.g. Trying to be more confident)
3. Sleep with Me Podcast - If you have trouble falling asleep, give this a try! 

EMDR

Have you experienced Trauma and are looking for some resolution? Contact me to see if EMDR would be a good fit for you. Maybe it isn't you that has experienced Trauma and you know someone. Refer them to me and receive the bonus!

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Would you be willing to give me some feedback? I am always striving to be a better Therapist. The feedback would be completely anonymous, as I want you to feel that you can be as honest as possible. 

Quote

"I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival."
- Audre Lorde