Pick 2! Taking the pressure off of self care

I'm getting older. You are too. Yep, I guarantee it! As I do, I am trying to "take care" of myself more. But I have a complicated relationship with this idea of self care. The word "should" tends to creep in as soon as start to think about it. I SHOULD exercise. I SHOULD meditate. I SHOULD read more. AND like you (most likely), I don't find time for all of my "SHOULDS". Which is stressful. Which leads to what? The reduction of my self care! It's a bit self defeating.

This year I decided to do something different by taking the pressure off with a different approach. I am sharing this because a number of friends have said that this has been helpful, so hopefully it will be for you too. It's really simple and sort of obvious. I just pick 2.

Pick 2? Yep. I make a list of all of the things I COULD (not SHOULD) do everyday to take care of myself and then I pick 2 , any 2 to do that day. Here is my list:

It doesn't matter which 2 I do. It doesn't matter for how long. It doesn't matter if I do the same 2 everyday for a week. I wake up early enough, look at my list and ask myself what I feel like doing today. I do 2. I always do 2 (well not always, but I try and when I don't I don't beat myself up about it).

This feels more relaxed and more realistic and makes this self care thing feel good again.

What's on your list? Which 2 will you do today?

Gary Hirsch is speaker, trainer, artist, and facilitator with a deep passion for co-creative experiences. He is the Co-founder of On Your Feet Improvisation for Business and Creator of Botjoy: an art movement that aims to spread joy, hope and courage one hand-painted robot at a time. You can contact him at [email protected]