The Divine Art of Self Care

Extreme self care is the practice of fully committing to a nurturing regimen. It’s more than caring for yourself “just enough. Extreme self care requires connecting with yourself on a daily basis, deciding what you need (serenity, exercise, support, rest, creativity, etc.), and then following through to make it happen.

Too often I see women leave workshops with the best of intentions to incorporate regular self care into their routines. We meet again only to discover that they are still not practicing what we so neatly outlined in the session. They have allowed themselves to fall back to the bottom of their to-do lists, getting caught up in guilt and the perceived lack of time.

This concept of extreme self care requires a radical – or extreme – shift in one’s attitude. Like the Diva, we must acknowledge, “I am worth it”. And, “I am going to achieve this!”

What would it take for you to practice extreme self care regularly? What do you know that you need more of in your life today?

Are you ready to make a radical shift in your thinking? Are you ready to begin a practice that will initially challenge you, but will change the way you see yourself?

The Top 10 Ways to Promote Extreme Self-Care for Caring Diva’s!

1. Take four hours a week for yourself. In the same way you help your clients to live a quality life, create quality in your life. There is a time to rest and a time to work; give yourself time to recreate, in turn, you will have more energy for your mission. This is your time for sport, music, crafts, walking, etc. This is not time for projects for work, this is not goal oriented time…you don’t have to produce anything to make it worthwhile. Just enjoy the moments.
2. Delegate, delegate, delegate…lead, encourage, provide a vision but allow others to share their gifts to contribute to the mission. This is a gift you give yourself and those you serve. Plant a seed and let it grow.
3. Stop meeting with committees in person: Ask the committee head to provide a brief report (one paragraph or less), then arrange a conference call with all committee heads. Conference calls will eliminate commute time and you can be relaxing in your bathrobe. Stop in for a five minute hello just to share your vision and encouragement by your presence.
4. SET boundaries. Say No to all requests until you have enough time, space, money etc. Request support of others to provide services you are saying no to…so when confronted, you can say, Bob is handling the phone chain, let me have him speak with you now. Get in the habit of saying No until you find your self comfortable with it. In the process, you will discover what has the highest priority for you. Your energy will be focused directly on what provides the most effective results. The rest can be handled by others and should be to utilize their unique and special gifts. ASK YOURSELF,“
   • Am I trying to be everything to everybody?”
   • Begin your response with the word NO.
   • Practice saying NO once in each of three sentences.
   • Use your body and your voice to say NO.
   • And, finally, if you want to say YES offer an alternative.
5. Limit your work hours. Your time is valuable, limit the extra hours you put in at work. Watch when you are thinking, “I MUST GET THIS ALL DONE NOW”. IS it true? Is it possible??? Choose how you spend your time. This creates a reserve of time and energy in your life.
6. Build a support circle outside work. Look for people that see you as a person beyond being a good worker. Look to attract a support circle that restores, energizes and encourages you.
7. Pamper yourself. Take a spa vacation even if it’s a virtual one, take a weekend retreat, golf trip, fishing, scuba diving. This “vacation” must be where you are unreachable and fully let go of your responsibilities for more than 48 hours. Let it go, it will be there when you get back and you will have recharged your batteries. Find out what restores you and schedule it into your life.
8. MOVE! Incorporate it into your weekly schedule, a half hour of activity, three times a week. Find a fun personal trainer. Choose an enjoyable physical movement. Maybe something unconventional. For example, boxing (hit a heavy-bag not a face) or dancing, you may find yourself spending several hours at it. What have you always wanted to try if you only had time? Make time for two-stepping or hiking or rollerblading. Go for it, your heart will thank you.
9. EAT healthy meals. Reduce your commitments so you have time for a healthy meal. Do some research to improve your eating habits. Better yet, incorporate it into your work. A wonderful gift to provide at your workplace….nutrition and nurturing go hand in hand.
10. Connect with your Divine Nature. Allow yourself to be a life long learner, allow time for spiritual study. Be the student. Seek out spiritual leaders/teachers that inspire you and ask to be taught anew. Refresh your enthusiasm, gain a new perspective or enhance your wealth of knowledge. If you always wanted to go to Tibet (or Tennessee) … go!