Taking good care of yourself begins in the mind. How do you think about you? How do you feel about you? Answering these questions will get you started on your own self-care regimen giving you the feeling of living your life on your own terms.
When I first started on my quest to living on my own terms, I realized that there were some changes necessary for me to make.
One of the first things I did was choose a morning routine. My routine includes:
Allowing myself to awaken naturally- Laying silently in bed meditating
- Stretching prior to getting out of bed
- Saying my affirmations at least three time aloud
- Listening to ten minutes of a motivational/inspirational recording
- Drinking a warm cup of lemon water using fresh lemons
- Exercise by walking or weight lifting
The remainder of my day I drink filtered water, eat natural foods and practice mindfulness when chewing. My intent is to chew sixty-four times; sometimes I only make it to forty.
Throughout the day I take a few minutes to repeat my affirmations, while firmly being in my vision as if they have already happened.
Do you see yourself creating a morning routine that works in your life? Changing your routine makes you feel alive, vibrant and blissful. Because you’re taking good care of yourself your light shines on everyone and everything. You begin to feel lighter and notice that some of the things that used to bother you have disappeared.
In taking good care of yourself, give yourself permission to not settle for anything but your best.
This requires being mindful all the time. Some things, people, challenges, and/or opportunities will come to you. At first glance, it seems that it’s in alignment with who you are and what you’re doing. Now is the time you stop and ask yourself, “Is this in alignment with taking good care of myself?”
Pay attention to the answer and follow through. Tweet: It is perfectly okay to say “NO!” As a matter of fact, it is imperative that you say no to some things in order to continue on the path you are carving for yourself.
Let me caution you here, you’ve started your plan of taking good care of yourself and unconsciously think that all will be smooth because you’re in action. This is not always the way things will go. Some days will be difficult for whatever reason. On those days think hard on all the positive experiences you’ve had, all the laughter you’ve enjoyed, purposefully do something that requires movement and fun.
I started out talking about a morning routine, it is just as important to have an evening routine. This routine allows you to end the day on your own terms. Choose a routine that works for you wherever you are. My evening routine includes:
- Having a regular time to go to bed
- Shutting off all electronics one hour before going to bed
- Taking a relaxing bath
- Playing soothing music
- Reading something that relaxes me
- Giving thanks for my day
- Repeating my affirmations
- Visualizing my desires
It is not always easy for me to shut off electronics especially when I’m working on a project that I’d like to complete. I remind myself to follow my routine because I’m taking good care of me! Now I’m not saying that I don’t allow myself to ‘slip’ occasionally. I don’t beat myself up about it and get on with self-care.
Do you think an evening routine would be helpful for you?
Give it a try by creating one that fits into your lifestyle and supports you in taking good care of yourself. Start with one step, it could be shutting off electronics fifteen minutes before going to bed or any step that is easy for you.
Notice how your sleep pattern changes and how good you feel in the morning. Each time you add something else that supports you in your evening routine you will notice how good you’re feeling taking care of yourself and living on your own terms.
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