As the old adage states, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” And to be honest, truer words have never been spoken. Many of us spend the majority of our waking hours catering to others. We work hard to ensure everyone else is okay and all things get done, but who takes care of us? For many, that answer is no one. When in actuality, that answer should be an easy one, you. The single most important relationship that you will ever have in life…is with yourself. You are the only person guaranteed to be with you for your life. And as much as we want to be there for others, putting yourself first is the only way you can do that. So we must learn to keep our cup full rather, so we can give freely without depleting ourselves.
“IT’S NOT SELFISH to put yourself first, IT’S SELF-FULL!” “my cup runneth over. What comes out of the cup is for y’all, what’s in the cup is mine.” -Iyanla Vanzant
Here are five easy ways to add self-care to your daily routine:
1. Take breaks! Even if it’s just a few moments to get up and stretch or grab a cup of tea, it’s essential to step away from the hustle and bustle every now and then. Taking a break helps refuel you so you can keep getting drained or overwhelmed. So, as often as possible, get in your me-time! Whether it’s taking a long walk, reading a book, or even giving yourself a facial – it’s essential to sprinkle moments of things that bring you joy throughout your day.
2. Express yourself! Through art, writing, or other creative outlets, expressing yourself is a great way to clear your mind and gain some perspective. Whether it’s writing in a journal, meditating, or just taking a few moments to be quiet and think – reflection is an important part of self-care. So try to carve out a moment to reflect. Taking the time to stop and check in with yourself helps you stay grounded and gives you clarity for the road ahead.
3. Unplug! Put down your phone, turn off the TV, and turn your attention to something that brings you joy. Take a few minutes each day to do something creative or relax and let your mind wander.
4. Make time for the people you love! It’s easy to get caught up in work, chores, or other activities, but remember to make time for your family and friends. A good laugh with a loved one is an excellent way to fill your cup back up!
5. Eat healthy snacks: A few bites of something nutritious can benefit our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Not only are they good for you, but healthy snacks can also help to boost your energy, support your immune system, and make you feel better in the long run. So, put down the chips and reach for something nutritious – your body will thank you!
At the end of the day, self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity! And contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to break the bank to invest in yourself. Remember, no matter how busy life gets, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take some time to discover yourself and come up with your own unique ways to refresh and reset.
Consider adding some of the suggestions above into your daily routine. Share in the comments if you think one or all of these can help you. Or, if you have more to add, let me know what has helped you most. I’d love to hear from you.
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