Make a plan today to take care of yourself. It is essential to you for your continued ability, capacity, energy, and functionality. Do…not…delay!
Self-Care Planning is…
Tangible, incremental, accessible, healthy care for yourself, rather than fleeting, indulgent, costly or unhealthy. By keeping a self-care plan handy, you can better fulfill your self-care needs. People who care for themselves are happier, more compassionate people. When you care for yourself, it is free and freeing. There are many pressures in life and it is easy to have your own self-care take a back seat for the many needs of others.
“You cannot pour from an empty vessel, you must take care of yourself first.” ~ Eleanor Brown
First, set an intention for your self-care.
Do you commit to providing yourself essential care this year?
How do I want to feel?
Next, note your goals. It’s important to differentiate between short and long term goals and have them both. Otherwise you may feel either disconnected or overwhelmed by the goal.
Note your goals, but differentiate between long and short term aspects of the goal:
For this goal, what is the short term goal…
…and what is a longer term goal?
Now, focus on the self-care you need in different sectors of your life.
What is self-care in your profession?
What is self-care for your body, your physical self?
What is self-care for your mind, your psychological self?
What is self-care for you emotionally? Is there anything you need to express: feelings, needs, or wants?
What emotions do you feel regularly?
What emotions do you want to feel on a regular basis?
What is self-care for your spiritual self? This can take many forms. How do you connect with a higher power? How do you find security and comfort in what is and what will be?
What is self-care in your relationships?
A red-flag calling out for self-care is resentment. Focus on what is bothering you. Do you need a boundary, a conversation, a “no”, understanding, or self-control (if you are a fixer finding constant neediness)?
What other form of self-care might you need?
What is missing in all of the above….anything?
Bubble baths, naps, chocolate, a good book, a vacation, nourishing nutrition, fuzzy blankets, new decor…..?
“Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.” ~ Parker Palmer
Don’t forget: You are worth your own time and attention. Enjoy!
Kim Perone, M.A., C.L.C. is a Success, Bereavement & Resilience Coach and Mindfulness Trainer at the Center for Clarity, Compassion & Contentment (CENTER4C). Kim works with business professionals as a coach and also conducts workshops and seminars at her office and in the workplace, now offered virtually. A personal strategist, philosopher, and champion for her clients, specializing in stress reduction, mindfulness, work life balance, bereavement, resilience, and authentic success. Kim is a Certified Life Coach, with an M.A. in Organizational Communication from the University at Albany and author of The Case for Clarity, Compassion & Contentment: Finding Your Center (available on Amazon). It is Kim’s belief that when clarity, compassion, and contentment are present an inspired life is possible. For more information, feel free to contact Kim at [email protected], (518) 301-3593, www.Center4c.com.
