Let’s explore some of your beliefs around the importance of self care. Read the following statements to yourself. What thoughts come up around these statements? Do they ring true for you or do they bring up some of your core beliefs that you may be out of integrity with. Next, read the statements again and explore the "feelings" that you experience in your physical body. Do you feel a tightness in your throat, chest or stomach area when you read any of those statements? This is your body’s way a telling you that you are not honoring your core beliefs.

~ I believe it is all right to neglect my needs.

~ I believe it is all right to give up my personal time in order to satisfy

the wants and needs of everyone else.

~ I believe it is all right to be too busy to take care of myself.

~ I believe my children, my spouse, my family, my job, my boss are

more important than I am.

~ I believe it is all right to deprive myself of the sleep I need.

~ I believe it is all right to overeat on a regular basis because I’m stressed.

~ I believe it is all right to eat junk food and fast food because I’m so busy.

~ I believe it is all right to deprive myself of the exercise that I need.

I really can choose to make myself a priority and I can decide how I want to spend my time.

Use a daily planner or a calendar to schedule in some personal time for yourself. If it is written down somewhere where you will see it, you are more likely to do it. Schedule personal time for yourself on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. You can start out with small 5-10 minute blocks of time or schedule larger blocks of time. Make it doable for yourself. Here are some suggestions.

* Set the alarm clock 5 to 10 minutes early and spend that time doing some deep breathing, pre-planning you day or doing some stretching.

* Spend an extra minute in the shower to just enjoy it.

* Park farther away from you destination to get some exercise and fresh air.

* Take the stairs when possible.

* Drink more water, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.

* Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.

* Spend at least 30 minutes doing something just for you.

Exercise, read, listening to music, find a hobby, participate in a sport.

* Schedule 3 to 5 session of exercise for the week

* Pre-plan your healthy meals for the whole week.

* Schedule one evening for yourself.

* Schedule some extreme self care. Massage, facial, manicure, weekend away, sports,

movie, night out with the guys, girls or spouse.

* Schedule at least one week of vacation with no work allowed.

* De-clutter your physical environment.

"Take Time for Your Life" by Cheryl Richardson