Spring Forward with Fresh Self-care Strategies

By Linda Michelle Trainer 
www.lindamichelletrainer.com

There is a freshness in the air as we transition from the sleepiness of Winter to the awakening of Spring. It is a new season and a new day. As you begin to saturate yourself in the beauty and busyness of Spring, don’t forget to saturate yourself in self-care.

Self-care, according to Psych Central is “an activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional and physical needs.” Good self-care is key to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a sound relationship with oneself and others.

There was a time when I overlooked my own needs for the sake of what I believed were valid needs of some precious people around me. That oversight landed me in a mental hospital; misdiagnosed for 13 days. My body was simply tired and needed rest. We have a tendency to play the role of superwoman, putting the needs of everyone around us before our own. Has there ever been a time in your life when you have been so exhausted at the end of the day that you could hardly see straight? And yet, you find yourself doing just one more thing to tackle your own to-do list which has been ignored all day because you have been “getting it done” —tasks for others— be it work, family or friends.

Your well-being is a prerequisite for the well-being of those around you. When traveling on an airplane you are instructed to put your oxygen mask on first before helping those around you. The same theory is necessary in your everyday life. Taking time to take care of your needs first will better position you to help care for the needs of those around you. Intentionally pausing to step aside and be still enables you to hear your inner wisdom. You will be better equipped to make quality decisions about your next course of action.

On my video podcast, “Living IN Courage with Linda Michelle” I share encouragement to awaken the silence of hope and silence the noise of hopelessness by owning the one life we have to live.

​To help you begin owning your bigger, brighter, healthier life here are 14 key self-care strategies that wisdom has taught me which I believe will surely help you:

• Honor God First
• Mediate in order to unclutter your mind. De-weed the flower bed of your thoughts.
• Fill your cup to overflow and serve from the saucer with joy.
• Grant yourself permission to cry, and do so with an agenda for an appointed time. Afterwards, get back up, wash your face, readjust your focus and keep it moving forward.
• Seek and ask for support when you need it. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.
• Nurture yourself like you nurture others. You are worthy.
• Honor your body and your brain by having regular professional physical, dental, and mental wellness checks.
• Take an emotional enema when necessary
• Be still and let your nail polish dry. Pampering your body, whether at your own in-home spa or at a Covid-19 free professional spa, will help reinforce your strength and sanity.
• Respect your vulnerabilities. Listen for and recognize the internal warning bells of stress and take the necessary time to rest and reset—No apology necessary.
• Live with an attitude of gratitude
• Make time to have child-like fun, alone.
• Journal to remember what you do not want to forget.
• Manage and respect your time.

Be In Courage!