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Many women juggle multiple responsibilities with home and family, careers and community. It can be difficult, and may even feel a little selfish, to carve out personal time. Stephen Covey, author of Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families, discusses the importance of sharpening the saw, as he calls it. A wonderful metaphor, sharpening the saw reminds us that we will not be as effective, or at our best if we are run down and lacking a fresh charge.
You are just as important as everyone else who shares your life. In addition to helping you stay emotionally balanced, self-care provides modeling and sends a message to others about how you value yourself and how you want to be treated.
Of course there will be times when friends and loved ones come first. These times should be balanced with other times during which you give yourself permission to go to the head of the line.
Positive self-care can head off a host of emotional health issues. By taking time to check in with yourself and recharge your batteries you support your emotional health. Those around you will no doubt appreciate this, as it is not only a gift to yourself, it is a gift to them as well.
If you are having difficulty finding the time, review your current commitments. Are there any that you can cut back or eliminate? Can you ask for help? If you have small children, you might try trading off one evening each month with another mom.
Once you find the time, create a plan and make a calendar. You can start by compiling a list of activities you enjoy for different time increments. For example: what gives you a lift in 5-minutes flat? What would you do with an hour or two?
Spontaneous self-care is important, but you should also include some planned pampering. Grab your calendar and mark movie or museum dates. Make at least one date each month and treat these appointments as sacred.
Practicing positive self-care is an important part of your overall health program. Just as you need food, you need moments of laughter and times to dream.
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