Day 313: 365give Top 10 Ways to Give to Yourself

 

Give to Yourself? Does that count as a give? This post was inspired by a great Twitter friend Steve @helpspreadthis. I asked Steve what I should do at the end of 365 days of giving and he told me to “give” myself a day off. His message to me was very funny “God created the world in 7 days and after the 6th day he took day 7 off.”

When you are on a mission to give every day for 365 days and blog about it, taking a day off isn’t in the plan. Steve’s wise words did give me a chance to reflect on ways I “give” to myself. As important as I feel it is to give to others you can’t give to others if you don’t take the time to give to yourself as well.

Give 313: Day 313

The 365give’s Top 10 Ways to Give to Yourself

1) Start You Day off on the Right Foot

Many people start their day with coffee and I start my day with what my body needs most. My days start early as I rise around  5:30am so I am able to write for 365give before my 3 year old gets up in the morning. I start with a large glass of water infused with chlorophyll and lemon to get my body going. (followed by a really strong coffee!)

2) Excerise

I have been a dedicated “exerciser” for over 20 years. I call it my drug of choice – it gives me a great high. It helps me keep my stress at bay and makes me feel like I can do anything. Keeping your body strong and moving (especially for bloggers that tend to sit at a computer for hours on end) is one of the most important ways you can give to yourself. Did you know that as of the age of 30 you begin to loose 1% of your muscle a year? Staying fit and strong will keep your body going into your senior years and help us keep up with our kids.

3) Sunscreen

A funny give but an important one. I love the sun. It relaxes me and just makes me feel good. Living close to the beach keeps us outside most of the summer and sunscreen is an essential you need to give yourself. Seems simple enough but many people still do not practice this daily routine. Skin cancer is deadly and by wearing a natural suncreen (no point in adding extra chemicals to your body) you are giving yourself a fighting chance to stay protected.

4) Healthy Food

You are what you eat – we all know that saying. Good food makes you feel good and crappy food makes you feel crappy. The key for this give to yourself – choose wisely. Whole grains, organic meats, fruit and vegetables, small portions and lots of water.

5) Journal Writing

I have been journalling for most of my adult life. I don’t do it every day. I don’t even write about each and every activity in my life. My journals gives me an outlet to vent, to discover new things about myself, to connect to my inner power and just work things out in my head. I can say what ever I want and no one gives me advice or tries to fix my problems.

6) Meditation

I don’t meditate in the traditional way. I have a problem sitting still as I have a triple AAA personality. When I need to get out of the noise going on in my brain I meditative walk. When I need inspiration, motivation or just to dream I walk where I am close to nature. It may be the sea wall or a hike in the forest but it gives me a chance to clear my mind and spend the time with myself and my dreams.

7) Time Out

If you are a full tme parent like I am every now and then you need a “time out.” A few hours to do what ever you want. Go for a coffee, read the paper, a hair cut – whatever is important to you. My husband and I have set up a time every Saturday morning that I can just be by myself. He takes our son for some quality time together and I do whatever it is I need to do to stay sane.

 Garden

This is a passion that keeps me close to the earth. It reminds me what a gift our planet is and there is nothing like getting your hands in the dirt to feel grounded and connected.

9) Music

It’s good for your soul. I created a playlist for my iphone that helps me escape to a peaceful place where I can instantly feel instantly connected. Find the music that resonates with you and just makes you feel good for a quick pick me up any time of day or night.

10) The Spa

I don’t care if your a man or women go get pampered. That could mean a hair cut, manicure, pedicure, message, facial – whatever that special thing is that makes you feel good just book it in and do it. It doesn’t have to be weekly or even monthly but every now and them get someone else to take care of you.

These are the 365give top 10 Ways to give to yourself what are yours? Leave a comment and inspire us all on what your favourite way to give to yourself is.

Time Commitment: A life time of giving to ME!

Cost: Most idea cost nothing it’s about the time to be with just you