Self-Care Summer 2024

It's hard to believe that it's August already, the summer has flown by. Today I'd like to talk about what I've done to focus on self-care and prompt you to think about your own self-care. It's not too late to focus on your own self-care this summer.

In my coaching practice I support women to focus on their Physical, Mental, Emotional and Financial Self-Care. This summer was an opportunity for me to to really focus on my mental & emotional self-care. A few months ago my mother's health drastically deteriorated and we moved her into an assisted living place. Even with all the stress reduction tools that I have, the stress took a toll on me mentally & emotionally. I've had to slow down, take some things off my plate and really lean on my friends and family. Recognizing this was the first step and then doing something about it was the second step. Last month I had the opportunity to spend a week in the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Being in nature was healing to my soul and my mental health. I especially love the mountains, all the trees and the flowers that bloom there that we don't have in Florida, where I live. There was quiet time for reflection, meditation and reading.

Since we have a month plus left of summer, what do you want to do for your own self-care? Take 10-15 minutes and journal on this question. You might be surprised what comes up for you.

Here are some suggestions for you in each of the 4 areas of self-care:

• Physical Self-Care: The weather is fabulous, consider swimming in the pool or the ocean. Take up pickleball, which is much easier on the back & knees. Go for a walk after dinner when the sun is down and it's cooler outside.

• Mental Self-Care: Start your morning off with a guided meditation, there are lots to choose from on YouTube, etc. Consider writing in a journal each morning for 5-10 minutes and see what comes up for you.

• Emotional Self-Care: Reach out to family & friends and schedule a time to get together. Say hello to a stranger and offer a smile. Set healthy boundaries by saying NO when you really don't have the time or ability to do something.

• Financial Self-Care: Take a look at your budget and see if your spending is in line with what you're taking in. Don't have a budget, create one? Start saving for retirement via a 401k or an IRA (don't miss out on your company match for 401k).

If you'd like to talk more about self-care please reach out to me, I'd love to hear from you.