The Power of Choice (6) - How I took control of my Life

I'll tell you a quick story about Clara. 

“Clara was a hardworking professional, juggling a demanding job and family life. She believed pushing through exhaustion was a sign of strength. Her days were packed with meetings, deadlines, and chores at home. Clara ignored her headaches, the persistent fatigue, and the growing anxiety in her chest. "I’ll rest later," she told herself, again and again.

One morning, after weeks of burning the candle at both ends, Clara’s body finally rebelled. She collapsed at work, overwhelmed by dizziness and a sharp pain in her chest. She was rushed to the hospital, where the doctor told her her body was on the verge of a breakdown. Stress had taken a toll on her heart, and burnout had left her mentally and emotionally drained.

Lying in the hospital bed, Clara realized the truth: the world hadn’t stopped because she collapsed, but everything that mattered to her had. Her work piled up, and her family worried endlessly. In neglecting herself, she was now unable to show up for anything or anyone else.

From that day forward, Clara vowed to prioritize her health, knowing now that self-care wasn’t a luxury—it was the foundation of everything she held dear.”

Back to you.

 As a busy professional and mom, you already wear many hats. But amidst the demands of work, home, and family, there's one person you can't afford to neglect: yourself.

 Why Self-Care Matters

Life doesn't pause when you're overwhelmed, and while it may feel like you need to keep going at full speed to stay on track, burning out has the opposite effect. When you don't care for your mind and body, you're unable to show up fully for the things that matter to you—whether it’s your family, your career, or your personal goals. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it's essential. It allows you to sustain your energy, creativity, and presence over the long term.

The consequences of neglecting self-care can be significant. You might notice reduced productivity, increased stress, irritability, and even physical health issues like headaches or fatigue. The truth is, when you break down, the things you care about most are affected.

Types of Self-Care

1. Physical Self-Care: 

    This involves taking care of your body through exercise, proper nutrition, and rest. Regular physical activity helps reduce stress and boosts your mood, while sleep and proper nutrition provide your body the energy it needs to function effectively. 

   How: Start with 10-15 minute walks, try stretching exercises, and make time for quality sleep.

2. Emotional Self-Care:

   Emotional self-care means acknowledging your feelings and giving yourself permission to experience them without judgment. Whether through journaling, therapy, or simply talking to a trusted friend, expressing emotions is key to maintaining emotional balance.

   How: Set aside time to reflect on your feelings, practice mindfulness, or take up journaling to process your emotions.

3. Mental Self-Care:

   Staying mentally sharp is just as important as your physical health. Mental self-care can involve activities that stimulate your mind or reduce mental fatigue, such as reading, learning something new, or taking time for hobbies.

   Tips: Dedicate time to hobbies that engage your mind, read for leisure or education, and practice mindfulness to clear mental clutter.

4. Social Self-Care:

Humans are social beings. Even when busy, it's important to stay connected with loved ones and foster relationships that nourish your well-being. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people helps buffer stress and enhances emotional well-being.

   Tips: Schedule regular check-ins with friends, join a group with like-minded individuals, or call a loved one for support.

5. Spiritual Self-Care:

   Whether through prayer, meditation, or spending time in nature, spiritual self-care nurtures your soul. It helps you maintain inner peace and a sense of purpose.

   Tips: Practice daily meditation, engage in a gratitude exercise, or take a quiet walk in nature to recharge.

How to Make Time for Self-Care

Self-care doesn’t have to mean spending hours at a spa (though that sounds nice!). Start by integrating small but meaningful acts of care into your daily routine. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to prioritize your well-being.

 Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to tasks that overburden you and carve out space in your schedule for activities that restore your energy.

 Delegate Tasks: At home or work, don’t hesitate to delegate responsibilities. You're not required to do everything alone.

 Use Time Blocks: Schedule time for self-care in your calendar, just like you would for a work meeting or family event.

You're your number one asset! Ensure you always treat yourself right!.

See you next week!

I am Hilda Yechiel.

I Coach Leaders, Professionals, Mom's and Students to overcome their obstacles early enough so they can live a life by design rather than a life by default.

Connect with me today, and together we'll unlock the insights to create a NEW YOU!"

NewU Coaching Studio