Sherry Ellingson
I'm claiming 2024 as the year to dig in deeper for self-care. What I mean by that is a lot of us feel exhausted all of the time. I know that's how I have been feeling the last 6 months of my life. Granted I am going through some huge life changes in addition to working, running my business, being a mom, handling home renovations, balancing friendships and the need to have fun.
But you may not be juggling so many things and still feel super exhausted. Here's what I have to offer you to help you create more energy.
My first recommendation is: to step back and take a look at your daily routine. What are you spending your time on from the minute you wake up until you go to bed? How do those tasks make you feel? Rate your activities on a scale of 1-5 (1 being so awful it makes your teeth hurt and 5 being the best feeling).
Something may be a 5 but how does it make you feel later? I'll come back to this.
Number 2: How do you feel about your work/school? For most people this is what takes up most of our time and if you don't enjoy it, that's a huge problem. Some times the circumstance may be that you can't change careers at this time or change school, what can you do to enjoy it while having the plan to make changes? This is a big topic and the goal here is to notice it and if possible make adjustments to motivate you.
Number 3: How do you start your day? Do you reach for your phone the minute you wake up? How about creating a 5 minute check in with yourself first. Set an intention for your day for example " I want to bring in playfulness". Notice how you feel emotionally and physically. Create a plan for your day or better do it the day before. Let mornings be as simple as possible before you jump in to emails, work, social media.
Number 4: Daily movement. Walk outside, do a video, go to a gym, dance. Make this a priority. The more you sit around the more tired you will be.
Number 5: Watch what you eat/drink. A Starbucks Vanilla Latte with coconut cold foam may be amazing as you drink it but once the sugar decline hits you may not feel very good and you have less energy. Same for what you may be eating that is not giving the nutrients you need.
Number 6: Who do you hang out with? Are you enjoying yourself with the people you spend your time with?
Number 7: Afternoon quiet time. I loved it when my daughters were younger and there was nap time. Either I would rest with them or read, basically had my quiet time too. Give your self permission to have a 5-10 minute rest. Even a quick walk outside will help refresh you.
Creating the life you love entails having enough energy to create it. Deep self care is more than sleep, massage and getting nails done. Although all of that is amazing. It's realizing what needs attuning in your daily life.