Self-Care Why This Could Be Your Greatest Investment

In many people's life the Self-Care and Self-Pampering is the lowest priority – especially if they are the Type 2 person [of the Enneagram Personality Profile].

Then there are people who feel guilty – if they indulge in self-care by doing something that they like – they feel as if they are being selfish*.

Many of us, actually wait for others to recognize that – we too need Me-Too time, attention and care [probability of others doing this is very-very less].

If you are stressed more often - than being happy [then one of the reasons could be that your own emotional and other needs are not being met].

Let us clarify 16 mental/emotional frames - which are pre-requisite for taking care of our Self's in the most appropriate ways

1.      Self-care is not a One-Time-Deal – it should happen every day TILL it becomes our natural habit

2.     Self-care does not have to happen – ONLY after we are done with all our Chores and Responsibilities – in fact the days you are most occupied, you need it most

3.     Self-care has to be our No.1 Priority – because, when are at our optimum emotionally, physically, and mentally – only then, we can add real meaningful values to others – especially those we care for and all those who are important to us

4.     Self-care is OUR RESPONSIBILITY and nobody else's

5.     The more we postpone our own self-care – the more negative issues start manifesting in our lives and we start feeling unfulfilled and overwhelmed

6.     Self-care is not about whether or not you can afford it financially [although there are many ways – you can treat yourself, if you have the financial comfort] – in this article we would be focusing more on Non-Financial ways to pamper ourselves

7.     Self-care is also – is not about- To-Hell-With-Others and using the resources only on ourselves – putting others in difficult position by splurging all on us

8.    Instead – it about balancing Your Needs with Those of Others who are dependent on you

9.     We work hard – celebrating time to time is just plain common-sense, we deserve it

10. Life is always going to be full of stressors* – our resilience* develops when we face the tough-times* knowing it is hard-time and that we are going to bounce-back*. This happens only when we make self-care as our priority

11.  Self-care is actually replenishing our inner resources* and recharging our inner-power*

12. Although the self-care is about doing what makes you feel good – UNDERSTAND that -not everything that feels good is self-care – at times many of give-in to the temptation for unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs, alcohol, jumping into multiple sexual relationships etc - The difference between unhealthy coping mechanisms and self-care is that When practiced correctly- Self-care has long-term benefit for our mind, our body, our emotions

13. Self-care is one of the most profound investment that we can make in our life

14. The time spent of Self-care – is never wasted – as it makes it up in the most important areas of our lives in the most powerful ways

15. Not having time for self-care – is a big excuse that give to ourselves

16. Self-care is MOST IMPORTANT and can't be ignored [unless you want it to lead to a great loss] – if you are yourself a car-giver

What self-care is not

1.      An excuse to continually be unhealthy and to justify our poor habits

2.     Spending excess money on yourself – more than you have[say by spending through loan and credit-card etc]

3.     Being Selfish in such a way – that you take away other's entitlement – just to please your senses

Top Benefits of Self Care

1.      Better productivity

2.     Learning to say NO to things those that are low-priority/detrimental – gives you the resources to focus* the most important ones

3.     Improved resistance to disease and Better physical and mental health

4.     Handling failures* and set-backs* effectively

5.     Enhanced self-esteem, Self-confidence

6.     Satisfaction and Peace of Mind*

7.     Understanding Self* and Understanding Others* Better

8.    Ability to give More

9.     Excellence in performance

10. Lower level of stress

11.  Bouncing-back* easily to give

Types of Self Care

1.      Pampering Our Senses – like Smell, Sight, Hearing, Touch and Taste [this one has to happen - in a healthy balanced-manner] - to calm our mind

2.     Emotional – feeling yourself feel what you feel

3.     Spiritual – get in touch with your values and what really matters to you

4.     Social – connect with other people is necessary for happiness as It helps you to understand that you’re not alone

5.     Personal growth – learning, becoming proficient, developing skills, mastering

6.     Our Inner-Power – by stretching ourselves beyond our limitations* while enjoying the thrill of challenging ourselves

80 Tips on How to take care of Yourself and Pamper, Indulge Yourself in such a way that it brings-out the best in you as well as others.

1.      Ask yourself what you can do for your self-care that most people wouldn’t think of plus which is very thrillingly satisfying to you – without costing much and without harming anyone

2.     Stop doing things you hate – don't do anything just because others are doing it

3.     Find activities that you look forward to and love doing even at the end of a long and tiring day

4.     Experiment with different things/activities/routine that makes you feel come alive

5.     Practice introspective self-inquiry – by going within yourself deeply to understand how your stressful thoughts are creating havoc and to  see your own irrational thinking

6.     Start small – that is how you would ever manage to get into the habit of Self-care

7.     Identifying and setting healthy boundaries* around you

8.    When changing the situation is truly impossible [at the current moment] - creating small comforts is highly important

9.     Having fun – THE KEY MANTRA – for self-care. Forcing yourself to the gym when you are fatigued, is not going to lighten you up – instead, it may do you more harm

10. Stick to the basics* of what comes to your mind to relax - Over time you will find your own rhythm and routine

11.  Self-care needs to be pro-actively planned

12. Actively look for opportunities to practice self-care - for full read "Why, What and How of Self-Care" in the Blog Section of Success Unlimited Mantra