What if you just up and exercised?

What if you turned off your phone, your tablet, your laptop, your TV?

What if you remembered to breathe?

Can you imagine how it would feel if you took a little time to slow down, release the tension in your body, and step back from your everyday must do’s, have to’s, and will do’s?

Self-care is the intentional action you take to meet your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Do you take time to care for yourself intentionally?

How would the people you care for benefit if you did?

Your body and mind are what keep your life going.

They deserve some respect.

It really is okay to take care of yourself. It isn’t selfish or conceited to show yourself some love.

If you wait too long to take care of yourself, your well-oiled life machine will start to creak, crack, and whine as the oil wells run dry.

The people in your life need you to be healthy and happy for your relationships to thrive.

They may balk at first. They may falter for a moment when you ask them to ease up on demands. They may even experience a bit of confusion when you smile and simply say, “Not today!”

But they will get used to your new self-care habit.

They will learn how to value themselves too, and discover their own inner resourcefulness. And they will come to love the less stressed, more centered version of you that results from a long walk, hot bath, or morning meditation.

What! No headaches? No dark circles under your eyes? No anxious knot in your gut?

And all you have to do is take care of yourself?

That’s right! Don’t put it off. Your life is yours. It’s perfectly okay to claim it.

So… how do you “self-care” for real?

We all know “me time” is easier said than done when the lists, requests, responsibilities, and projects stack up. We’re almost afraid that somehow things will get out of control exponentially during the time we’ve set aside for journaling. The idea is to prioritize self-care so that you have a go-to plan, complete with prepared practical ways and means to fit it in.

The goal is to relax and refresh. Not add to your to-do list and stresses.

So, let’s look at some principles to consider as you learn to take care of yourself well:

• Self-care is personal. What you do to meet your own needs will take into account basic physical and mental needs. Quality sleep, wholesome food, and exercise are essential. But the things that really speak to you, comfort you, and energize your authentic self, deserve some deeper thought and intentionality to assure self-care is effective.

• Self-care always takes care. When you take care of yourself be sure to choose safe, appropriate activities and schedule them carefully. Self-care needn’t get in the way of your daughter’s dance class or cause you to miss your partner’s business party. You don’t want to do yourself or your relationships harm. Take care of yourself by being sure to ensure your time feels good during and after it takes place.

• Self-care is a relationship. With yourself. This is not just about being in better shape for other people. The relationship you have with yourself is vital. Every good relationship needs some encouraging talk and some quality time. Check your self-talk. Observe your feelings without judgment. Revisit your dreams and aspirations. You need this time to show yourself compassion, grace, and enthusiasm. Bask in the glow of healthy self-love and the people you care about will enjoy your warmth.