What should I do if I find I'm not taking care of myself?

Many moons ago, I learned not to use the words, “should”, “could” and “would” because they are words that can cause unnecessary stress. So, eliminate those words from your vocabulary and instead, say something like: “What can I do?” Or “What is it I would like to do that will be seen as taking care of myself?”

I cannot fathom not taking care of myself. I often hear women say, “I do not have the time” instead of them saying, “I deserve it and I will take the time to care for myself.” By saying you do not have the time, you are confirming it and you will certainly not be motivated to take the time. But if you say something like, ”I am busy (acknowledgment) but I want and I will make sure that I take the time” – even if is it just 15 minutes a day or twice a week.

If you are a schedule-oriented person, pencil yourself in your agenda or family calendar, whatever works. Like Nike says, “Just Do It.” Then, tell your spouse and/or children that you need to have this time for yourself in order to re-energize yourself and feel happy, and they will benefit from a more loving and happy person. I have no doubt that once they see that you are less stressed and more content they will be encouraging you to take more of that special time for yourself.

I have tried this years ago with my daughter and it worked. Today, I take even more time for myself. When I am happy I make others around me happy. When I get stressed, my daughter and spouse just want to run far away (luckily this just happens once in a blue moon, when I undertake projects that have deadlines close to each other). Take the time for yourself because you are worth it and so are your loved ones.