How many times have you tried to find “me-time” in your busy schedule? Think of self-care as fuel for your inner goddess! Below are some easy tips and tricks for integrating wellness into your daily schedule.
Too busy and frazzled to be excited for spring or summer, or anything that is happening in your life? Are you juggling kids, career, errands and everything else that makes your calendar look like an endless list of to-do’s? Most moms and busy women can relate right? That’s why it’s important to pamper your inner goddess (remember her?!) on a daily basis, otherwise, you run the risk of feeling depleted and stressed!
It’s difficult to schedule ‘me-time’ when so much of our lives revolve around the well-being of others. Did you know that making self-care a daily habit not only alleviates stress, but it also contributes to longevity? We all know that exercise, a healthy diet and plenty of sleep are the building blocks of wellness. But, did you know there are other little things you can do every day to pamper yourself?
Think of self-care as fuel for your inner goddess! Here are some easy tips and tricks for integrating wellness into your daily schedule:
– Be Grateful~ Studies have shown that people that show gratitude are least likely to experience depression and have an easier time managing the ups and downs of life. Being grateful makes us kinder, more trusting and more appreciative. As a result, we will have more friends, deeper relationships and better marriages. Take a minute every day to focus on the positive things in life and give thanks!
– Take a Walk~ Not only is walking good for you physically, walking can also elevate your mood and get you back to center fast! Regular walking can improve your libido, increase survival rates after breast cancer, stave off diabetes, and reduce pain from fibromyalgia as well as lower risk of developing dementia. A fifteen minute a stroll 3-5 times a week can do wonders.
– Indulge in a Book~ When is the last time you fell in love with a character in a book? Not only can reading take our minds off of immediate stress and pressure it can help maintain healthy cognitive functions; one of the first things to go when under stress! Reading fills our minds with new knowledge and increases our vocabulary which makes us more interesting people.
– Savor a Yummy Treat~ Both Dark chocolate and red wine contain a healthy amount of Reservatrol, a powerful anti-oxidant, which is believed to stave off cancer and heart disease, contribute to longevity and boost your metabolism. Can you say Fountain of Youth?! Go ahead and have a glass of Malbec or nibble on a piece of the darkest chocolate you can find- it’s actually good for you!
– Say No~ Yes, it’s true. There are many benefits to saying “no.” It can prevent you from feeling overextended because you say “yes” too much. It protects your family time. It allows you adequate time to focus on the things that matter most in your life. Saying, “no, allows you to have full control over your schedule so you can say “yes” to better opportunities you may not previously had time for. Saying “no,’ helps establish realistic boundaries which is the key to preserving a healthy mental state. Learning the value of saying “no” will increase your quality of life beyond measure.
Now that you know some of the secrets to daily self-care, you can start scheduling some ‘me-time’ today. You’ll be surprised how making your inner goddess a priority changes your outlook from frazzled to rosy in no time!
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted in your life that took time, physically or mentally?
Accepting that my family isn’t perfect but my parents did their best with what they were given. I am just now understanding what this means in my early 40’s. Growing up, I had some anger, and frustration with the way I was raised. I’m extremely grateful to my parents for not limiting my hopes and dreams but I wanted more guidance. Many issues at home led to me moving to Canada for my first professional dance company job at 16.
What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life?
I appreciate my desire to always grow and be a better person.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What goals do you still have?
One of my most rewarding achievements in life was making the transition from Ballet to Broadway. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time. I was focused and determined but also open to listening to the universe to confirm if it was the right way to go. In general, making transitions are hard so I now celebrate this challenge whenever appropriate.
One of my biggest goals is making my company, Fitness Flower, into a household name and a company that people will be jumping to work for. I’d like to create an atmosphere of creativity and productivity. My goal is to incorporate wellness and fitness into everyday work with fresh green juices, and meditation, yoga, Pilates and Fitness Flower exercises at the office with my employees. Since I don’t have a degree in business, this challenge will be extra rewarding. I look to all the businessmen and women who have done the same before me as inspiration
What is your not-so-perfect way? What imperfections and quirks create your Identity?
I call myself the crazy artist and a fine antique car. I tend to think way out of the box. I have recently learned to embrace this more and be proud of it again. When I was dancing professionally, I felt like I had a special creative talent, when I stopped dancing I went through a phase when I didn’t think I was that special. I’m back to embracing that feeling again. It means that I’m not always the most organized but I can accomplish a lot in a short amount of time when I’m really focused.
I call myself the fine antique car when referencing exercise. Because of the repetitive action of dance over the years, too much aerobics like running and gym classes that overused large muscle groups, my body gets really angry. I have to fuel my body with premium gas and drive on smooth roads. Pilates, yoga, swimming, some dancing and weight training are my workout methods of choice.
How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I Love My Kids! Right???!!!! They are miracles and I work everyday to be a better person for them.
