I used to think self-care was treating myself to a facial, manicure, getting a massage or something along those lines of pampering. And yes, while these are popular self-care activities, I truly didn’t realize how much more self-care encompasses. As a kid, I was never taught about self-awareness. For my whole adult life I just did what I was supposed to do and never really thought about balance in life, or what I may need to help strengthen my mental, physical and emotional game. I knew physical exercise was good, but really didn’t understand the effect it had on my mental game. Being self-aware is the first step in knowing how to provide yourself with the self-care you need to nourish your mind, body and soul. I now realize how physical, emotional and spiritual heath are intricately connected in the game of life! It’s all about finding ways to release stress and re-boot to continue striving to be our best self.

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You may be wondering what is self-care actually means. Everyone has their own ideas of what self-care is, but it might help to understand what it is not. It is NOT exercising when you really don’t enjoy exercising. It is NOT doing any activity that doesn’t bring you joy. You may also be wondering, what’s the big deal if I don’t take care of myself because  it doesn't affect anyone but me, right? Unfortunately, there are consequences that can affect you, your loved ones, your career and other relationships as well. These include lack of patience, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and depression, and a general sense of burnout. all which are low vibrational states of energy.

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Instead, self-care IS finding something that helps you to release negative energy and re-fuel your mind, body and soul to feel more positive! Self-care IS finding something you truly enjoy doing that feeds your physical, mental and spiritual  energy and gives you a renewed sense of energy and the tenacity and allows you to continue to be the pillar of strength that you are! Maybe, for some it's doing something creative, while for others it's doing something physical and for others it is calming your mind and sitting in peace and quiet. There is no one specific thing that is best to do because we are all so different. If it helps you to connect and love yourself more and it inspires you to be best version of you, then it is self care. 

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Self-care IS  essential for coping with stressful situations.  Through self-awareness, we can learn about effective self-care techniques. Empowering yourself with personal development tools is essential for support through difficult times and helping  you to maintain your stability and strength.The goal is to thrive, not just survive in our ever changing world of pressures.. These tools can help prevent all of those stressors  from building up and possibly affecting you emotionally or even physically. Prioritizing self-care can lead to increased self-esteem, enhanced relationships, improved concentration and productivity, and overall  feeling of contentment.

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Let’s celebrate by giving ourselves a well deserved day of self care.

Mark your calendars for April 5, National Self Care Day, a day that I created to raise awareness about taking better care of yourself and to bring more peace into your life on all levels. So many people I talk to are living life for everyone else and yet their own lives are truly out of balance. It's time to take control of your life and bring more harmony and alignment in for yourself. If you are feeling stuck in a rut, or just need an outlet or just have a desire to boost your energy and don't know where to start, just start with focusing on you and what activity brings you joy and fulfillment. The bottom line is that no one is going to take care of you and make you a consistent priority except for YOU. 

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The good news is that I’m here for support and have created a list of self-care ideas below, that might help you to de-stress and re-boot! We are all in this together, so let’s help each other to be the best version of ourselves!

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Laura Anthony Schwartz