I had an ‘a-ha’ moment this week, as I found myself feeling off-kilter and headachey. After setting up a new business towards the end of last year, the year so far has been a whirlwind of busyness. As someone who teaches mindfulness, meditation and wellbeing, I know the importance of listening to our bodies, noticing behaviour patterns and emotional triggers. So I listened. And stopped. And put work on hold to take some much needed 'rest and restore' time.
Let's be real here—life can be tough. Balancing work, family and everything else is no walk in the park, especially when we're always putting others' needs before our own.
But here's the thing: neglecting ourselves doesn't help anyone. It's like trying to pour from an empty cup—it just doesn't work. That's why it’s important to prioritise self-kindness and wellbeing. You know when you’re on a plane and they tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others? 💡
For me, being kind to myself means listening to my body and taking breaks when I need them. Whether it's a day off work, a quiet moment with a cup of tea, some quiet and meditation or a walk in the fresh air, I've learned to tune in to what my body needs and give it what it deserves.
And then there's self-love. It's something we all need, but sometimes forget to give ourselves. As a Mindfulness Coach, I spend a lot of time helping others find self-love, but I've come to realise that I need it too. It's about recognising my worth and treating myself with the same compassion and empathy that I offer to others.
Now, if you're someone who works for yourself or runs your own business, setting boundaries is especially important. It's easy to get caught up in the ‘always on’ of work, but remember, your wellbeing should always come first. So, listen to your body. If you're feeling tired or overwhelmed, it's okay to take a step back and give yourself a break. Your work will still be there when you come back, I promise.
Recognising the signs of burnout is key. Maybe you're feeling irritable or anxious, or maybe you're having trouble sleeping. Whatever it is, don't ignore it. Take it as a sign that you need to slow down and take care of yourself.
A few things to look out for:
1. Physical Symptoms: pay attention to any physical sensations or discomfort in your body, such as tension in your neck and shoulders, headaches or digestive issues. These can be signs that your body is under stress and in need of rest.
2. Emotional Signals: notice any changes in your mood or emotional state, such as increased irritability, anxiety or feelings of overwhelm. These can indicate that you're pushing yourself too hard and need to take a step back.
3. Decreased Productivity: if you find yourself struggling to concentrate, make decisions or complete tasks, it may be a sign that you're mentally and physically exhausted and need to take a break.
So, the next time life gets overwhelming, I encourage you to take a moment for yourself. Listen to what your body is telling you and honour its needs. And remember, you're worthy of love and kindness just as you are. Take care of yourself, my friend. You deserve it.
Some practical tips to incorporate self-compassion and self-care into your daily life:
1. Set Boundaries: learn to say no to additional commitments or requests that don't align with your priorities or values. Remember, it's okay to put yourself first sometimes.
2. Schedule Regular Breaks: build in time for rest and relaxation throughout your day. Take short breaks to stretch, go for a walk or practice mindfulness meditation.
3. Practice Self-Compassionate Self-Talk: replace negative self-talk with kind and supportive statements. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would a dear friend.
4. Connect with Others: reach out to friends, family members or colleagues for support and encouragement. Share your struggles and ask for help when you need it.
5. Engage in Activities That Nourish You: make time for activities that bring you joy, whether it's spending time in nature, practicing yoga or indulging in a creative hobby.
🌟 Remember, self-compassion isn't about being selfish or lazy; it's about recognising our own humanity and treating ourselves with the kindness and compassion we deserve. By listening to our bodies, setting boundaries and prioritising self-care, we can create a life that's not only fulfilling and successful but also sustainable and balanced. And in doing so, we can bring a deeper sense of peace, joy and wellbeing to our lives and to the lives of those around us.
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