The importance of self-care

Last week I did something I’ve never done before....

I took myself away. I put myself first.

My husband had taken my two eldest boys camping for a few days, and the plan was that I would just stay at home with the baby. But during a late night musing (I have many with a baby who likes to party all night), I had an impromptu urge to get away, and booked myself and Billy into a remote, fairy-style cabin by the seaside. The planner in me was appalled... I hadn’t weighed up alternatives, I hadn’t done a list of options, I hadn’t created an itinerary of places to visit, but something inside of me had just cried out “do it!”.

3 full days and nights of simplicity, no wifi, no distractions. Just me, the sea, and my thoughts (and Billy of course). We explored, we laughed, we ate fish and chips on the beach. We got up early, we watched the sunset each evening. In the evenings when he eventually fell asleep, I worked on me... reflecting on what I was already grateful for in my life and creating a vision board for my future. Trying to practice a little bit of what I preach. I talk a lot to my coaching clients about the importance of a me-MOT, creating time to refocus and reboost, and this was my time.

It truly was sanctuary for my soul.

Since returning, I’ve completed my Mental Health First Aider training, and it’s made me think even more about the topic of self-care.

When was the last time you made time for you?

Not 5 minutes to check emails whilst cooking dinner, or hiding in the bathroom with the biscuit tin to get a moment’s peace from the kids.

I imagine you can’t remember the last time you had time for you... for a Me-MOT. Time to relax, unwind, de-stress, take stock and reenergise. Sounds fabulous doesn’t it!

With 1 in 3 visits to the doctor being about something stress related, finding time for self-care is more important than ever.

So why is self-care so important?

1. Our brain works better when we look after ourselves – we all know that feeling when we are tired and have read the same line in a report over and over again. People who practice self-care have improved focus and concentration, helping us to make better decisions.

2. We need time to be alone – not just to get away from daily chaos, but science shows that when we have time alone we can be more creative, spark new ideas and increase empathy and productivity.

3. We can give more to others when we give to ourselves - it isn’t selfish... it’s like putting your own oxygen mask on first... refuelling your tank so you’re in the best place to help those around you.

Self-care doesn’t have to be time consuming, or expensive. Yes we’d all like a day at the spa, or a trip to the Maldives, but in reality, it’s about creating new habits that fit in our hectic lives.

Here’s some of my favourite self-care ideas... I’d love to hear yours...

• Put on your favourite song and dance like no-one is watching

• Step outside and walk barefoot on the grass

• Declutter 10 items that you don’t need anymore

• Write down 5 things you’re grateful for

• Have 5 mins of mindfulness at the start of the day

Action for Happiness share a calendar of ideas each month and this month’s is self-care September. Take a look and try some new ideas.

Put on your oxygen mask, breathe the air, be still in the moment.

Now is the time to put yourself first.

A bit about Bounce…

At BOUNCE Coaching & Development Ltd, we use the clever bits from brain science and mix them with oodles of positive thinking and a sprinkle of fun to create learning solutions that stick.

Contact Caroline to secure your place on the NEW BOUNCE bootcamp – 6 weeks of self care, reflection and action planning to boost your energy and bring bounce back into your life.

“You’re not here to be average... you’re here to be AWESOME!”