I don’t usually write articles on subject matter other than marketing… but since this is the new year I thought it might be appropriate to write about self-care.
In my opinion, marketers have a tendency to be overachievers. So, they typically are “all-in” when it comes to their personal and professional life. But, that can cause an imbalance in the body, the mind, and spirit. Most of the marketers I know are so busy putting in 12 to 16-hour days trying to get a project finalized usually within self-imposed deadlines. And then on weekends, they are typically on a plane to get to a trade show or some other meeting. So, a marketer has a difficult time running from one project to the next and balancing home life.
My new year’s gift to you is to give you a few ideas to help you understand the importance of self-care. Time to take control of your life.
1. Did you know?
Self-care helps you achieve tremendous mental and physical health by reducing feelings of stress, depression or unhappiness. According to the Global Healing Center, 85% of the world’s population is affected by low self-esteem. And 74% of those say they are stressed, overwhelmed and unable to cope. Less than 3% of Americans say they live a healthy lifestyle. These statistics are alarming.
2. Put yourself first.
You’ve heard the flight attendant tell you a million times to put your oxygen mask on first in case of an emergency before you help others. This is so true with self-care. Put your needs first. You won’t be able to help others unless your needs are taken care of first. Women especially are used to serving others so they have a tendency to over-commit. Sometimes you just need some downtime to calm the nerves. Hopefully, your co-workers and your spouse and children can help take up the slack so you can maintain some balance in your life. Learn to delegate. You don’t have to do it all yourself. There are other people available to help.
3. Find out what is causing you so much stress.
Most likely it’s the management of your time, the food you eat, along with lack of exercise. Changing to a healthy eating plan like paleo or keto can give you more energy and help you to have an unfettered mind. Especially when you travel, take time to go to the hotel gym and workout for even 15 minutes, walk through a mall, or take a walk around your hotel if you are in a safe neighborhood. It will revive you after a long flight and help you get into a good mindset for the next day’s events and meetings. In fact, you may get all sorts of creative ideas while you are working out. Take time to see your environment and appreciate the beautiful scenery. I always like to get a massage after a long flight. It relaxes me so I get a good night’s sleep before a hectic business meeting the following morning.
4. Make a commitment to get the bad habits out of your lifestyle.
Start healing your body, mind, and spirit. For the body, consider doing a gentle cleanse to detoxify the body. It is like cleaning your house. You’ll feel better once the toxins have left the body. For the mind, take time for meditation, or read a book you’ve had on the shelf for years but never had time to read it. For the soul, start a prayer life. Take even a few minutes out of your day to thank God for all the blessings you have, your family, your career, and your friends. Gratitude does wonders to restore your soul. And now that the holiday season is over, make a commitment to serve others. I’m not talking about being a slave, but being a joyful giver. Do something for someone that really makes you happy and gives you pleasure to serve mankind.
5. Stop looking at yourself as a victim.
That is, a victim of your job, a victim of your management, a victim of your genetics, or whatever is in your crawl. Take the next steps to change your life in a positive way. If you need to lose weight, commit to changing your eating habits. If you need a better relationship with your spouse, commit to meeting their needs. And they most likely just want to spend quality time with you. Make a commitment to decrease your travel time and spend more time with your family.
6. Time is short for all of us.
No matter how old you are, time goes by quickly so commit to being happy today. When was the last time you looked in the mirror and said, “I’m awesome.” Probably not since you were a teenager, I’m assuming. But you can be awesome at any age. So, commit today to become the “you” you strive to be. Make a list of what you are grateful for. But better yet make a list of how you want to help people this year. Serving people is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself.
Take all of these pointers into consideration and you’ll start seeing changes and healing in your body, your relationships, and your mental health.
Happy new year to you and may you have a prosperous and stressless 2020.
Sheila
P.S. Did you enjoy reading the above article? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! And if you liked this article, please share it on your social media sites with your colleagues. Click the share buttons at the top of this blog article.
