Self Care Strategies for a More Balanced Life

In order to take care of others, we must first use self-care strategies in our own life. If we have children in the house, they will model what we do, not what we say.

Stress and Adversity can be handled if the following tips are used often enough that they become automatic action and good habits.

Check the ones you are currently practicing and circle the area where you want to improve.nn__Substantial breakfast dailynn__Regular sleeping habits (minimum of 7 hours)nn__No smokingnn__Moderate use of alcohol, caffeine and other drugsnn__Minimal intake of sugar & highly processed foodsnn__Maintenance of proper weightnn__Regular exercise programnn__Drink much more water than you usually do.

How did you do? Here are some great ideas to bust stress.

Relaxation Techniques:nn__Jog in place or do jumping jacks—count to 300nn__Roll head and torso from side to sidenn__Tense your muscles individually, then relax themnn__Pull seat of chair for 5-count: repeat with legs xtendednn__Take a deep breath to count of 4, exhale to 4, and repeat 4 timesnn__Massage your forehead or temples; repeat the word “calm”nn__Try to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Walk off your worry.nn__Meditate for 20 minutesnn__Listen to music and close your eyesnn__Take a power nap. Train yourself to sleep for 12 minutes.

How did you do on that list? Here are some ideas to help you from being frustrated and rattled because you are "too busy."

Time Management:nn__Decide what your time is worth. Hire some tasks done.nn__Learn to delegate. You don’t have to do or supervise everything.nn__Set priorities.nn__Invest your time in the thing that will give you the highest return on your investment.nn__Plan your day according to energy levels.nn__Manage the paper tiger. Try to handle paper only once.

Take care of yourself. You must practice stress management techniques for self care in order to have time and energy to care for others. It is not selfish to take care of your self. It is wise use of resources.