PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE & HEALTH

SELF-CARE; CHALLENGE OR NOT?

What does self-care look like to you? When dealing with a chronic disease like lymphedema or lipedema, it can look different from what the average person thinks of when discussing self-care. Do you prioritize your self-care and health, or is that at the bottom of your list after you’ve cared for everyone and everything else? I’ve always found it challenging to find time for self-care; how about you? As I have gotten older, though, I’ve finally come to a place where I am ready to put self-care at the top of my list instead of dead last. This was very difficult, so I joined a challenge that forced me to prioritize my health and care. 

75 HARD

75 Hard, a tactical guide to winning the war with yourself. It is a 75-day challenge focusing on two 45-minute workouts, drinking a gallon of water daily, a diet of choice, no alcohol, and reading nonfiction. My biggest challenge so far is time management because I have always found it difficult to get one exercise period in a day, let alone two. Therefore if I am going to be successful with this challenge, I am forced to put my self-care first. This is the war with myself – time for me. Do you struggle with setting your needs above others before work, kids, spouses, or pets? 

UPSIDE DOWN

I feel like I’ve turned my whole world upside down, and yes, it is hard. However, it has been rewarding as well. Time management is now at the top of my list, and there is little time for procrastination. Planning my day, I know to schedule my self-care and not wait to see if there is time to fit it in at the end of the day. My sun time comes before my screen time. And my water comes before that next cup of coffee. Furthermore, I take the time to sit down and eat lunch to incorporate reading my nonfiction book.

HAPPIER, and HEALTHIER

I honestly can say I feel happier at the end of the day. Although I still stress when everything on my list doesn’t get done, I will continue to improve my time management as I continue with this challenge. Hopefully, I will find time for my busy day, self-care, and health. 

LISTENING TO YOUR BODY

I imagine not everyone has to set themselves up for a challenge to put self-care at the top of their list. But, unfortunately, sometimes we wait for our bodies to wake us up and say, “Hey, what about me?” For instance, when dealing with a chronic disease, sometimes that disease forces us into self-care. What about you? Do you listen to your body when it needs extra care? How about resting when you are tired, or do you push onward? Do you nourish your body with sustaining food or quickly grab lunch on the go? Taking time for the body’s needs, especially when dealing with a chronic disease, is crucial. As they say, “Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential!” 

MOST HELPFUL

What I found most helpful in prioritizing self-care is scheduling it into my day. If it’s on my to-do list, it’s much more likely to get done. Furthermore, there is no guilt associated with nonproduction. This might not work for everyone, but it’s magic for a goal-oriented person like myself. Such a simple thing. Who would have thought it was all I needed to do to incorporate self-care into my day? 

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

How do you prioritize your self-care and health in your day? Would a challenge be helpful to you as well? What things can you share with us that have helped you prioritize yourself and your care?

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information purposes only. Furthermore, the information in this blog is not a substitute for medical advice – always consult a licensed healthcare professional for advice on your specific condition.