Self-Development: 10 Tips From A Holistic Wellness Coach

For you to live a long, healthy and happy life in the body you’ve been given, you have to look after it. It’s important that you don't misuse your body or take what you have for granted. With life, especially at the moment, being chaotic, unknown and concerning, there is no time like the present to start making time for self- care.

When we talk about self-care, it’s important to take care of the whole of you – the physical, the emotional, the mental and the spiritual. The more we pay attention to our self-care and listen to what our bodies, minds and emotions are telling us, you will be become a compassionate observer of self. Meaning you will become more aware of what's going on for you.

You will know when your energy levels are feeling a little depleted, you will know when you are taking on others emotions and you will know when and how to give yourself with the right amount of self-care, love and compassion.

Without inner strength or resilience, it’s unlikely you will ever reach a balanced sense of wellness. Thats why it's essential you top up your tank regularly.

So how do you top up your tank?

Self-care is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself as it produces positive feelings and boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Also, self-care is necessary to remind yourself and others that you and your needs are important too. Here are my top tips to topping up your tank.

A healthy work-life balance: Contrary to common belief, workaholism is not a virtue. Overwork, and the accompanying stress and exhaustion can make you less productive, disorganised and emotionally depleted. It can also lead to all sorts of health problems, from anxiety and depression to insomnia and heart diseases. Professional self-care habits like taking intermittent breaks (for lunch, speaking to a family member or taking a stroll), setting professional boundaries, avoiding overextending ensures that you stay sharp, motivated and healthy.

Stress management: While a little dose of stress is a healthy way to give us a nudge that we need to meet the deadlines or finish that overdue task, constant stress and anxiety can have an adverse effect on your mental and physical health. Smart self-care habits like eating healthy, connecting with a loved one or, practicing meditation cuts down the toxic effects of stress by improving your mood and boosting your energy and confidence levels.

Better physical health: Self-care is not just about your mental health. It’s also about caring for your physical self, by eating healthy, taking adequate sleep, caring about your hygiene, exercising regularly.

Start living, stop existing: Life is a precious gift. So why waste it when we have the choice to have a more meaningful existence? Yes, you have a lot of responsibilities. But it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is also your responsibility. Little things like taking a stroll in the woods, or feeling the sun on your face, enjoying a bubble bath, or reading a book are essential for your daily happiness. It's the simple things in life that make the biggest difference.

Putting it into Practice

This week try and do at least 1 or 2 of the things from the list below. For me I would opt for 8 hours sleep a night and meditate/deep breathing, both these will help boost your immune system and when in deep sleep our body starts to heal itself. However any of these will kick start your self-care routine and you will start to feel a difference if practiced regularly.

1. Sleep 7-8 hours per night
2. Give the gym a miss and maybe go for a light jog or walk outdoors
3. Meditate or do deep breathing for five minutes daily.
4. Take a break when you need it.
5. Choose who you spend time with.
6. Laugh heartily at least once a day.
7. Eat green daily.
8. Avoid emotional eating.
9. Learn to say ‘No.
10. Stop overthinking.

Lastly, don’t put it off for next weekend, or the week after or the week after that.

For whatever reason the universe is forcing us to pay attention to our wellness. So let's start today. It won’t take long before you begin to see and feel the difference!