Self-care is a challenge that most people – especially leaders – continue to face. For some, self-neglect is worn almost as a badge of honor. You do not feel you can talk about yourself unless you can talk about how tired and hardworking you are, and how little time you have for yourself. Who talks about life being calm, rested and focused?

Here are some signs of self-neglect:

• always tired
• regular heartburn
• falling asleep when you need to be awake
• overweight
• constant aches and pains
• lack of concentration
• trouble reading
• short tempered
• easily angered
• take everything personally
• eating on the run

These all could be signs of self-neglect.

How do you avoid the trap of self-neglect?

Let me suggest four things you can do to care of yourself.

Sleep. Be sure you get enough sleep. You are designed to rest one third of the time. That means you should get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. I know some who go on less sleep with no problem. However, those few are the exceptions; most of us need 7-8 hours. The desired outcome is to wake up feeling rested and energized to face the day. Enough sleep is like hitting the reset button; you awaken refreshed with new energy and perspective to face the day.

Eat Healthily. This sounds simple; unfortunately too many of us do not do it. Eating healthily is not as difficult and expensive as you might think. Seek to avoid too much fried food, fast food, sugars, and salt. Drink more water than coffee and/or soda.

Eat more whole wheat products.

Avoid fad diets in order to lose weight. I have never dieted. Instead, I have learned to cook and eat smart. I used to love fast food and sodas. I rarely have these now.

Eat small meals throughout the day rather than a couple of large meals. Eating small amounts more frequently speeds up your body’s metabolism so you burn calories faster. Big meals actually slow down your metabolism turning your foods into fat.

A key concept to keep in mind is that eating healthily is primary for good, overall health, not weight loss. Weight loss is a natural benefit. You feel better and look better when you chose to eat healthily.

Physical exercise. This might be the most neglected aspect of self-care. Most of us do not enjoy it and would make any excuse to avoid it.

The reality is regular exercise results in you feeling better overall. Your energy, mood, and concentration are all better.

Try to get your heart rate above normal for 20–30 minutes at least 3 times a week. This may be accomplished in many ways; you have to find what works best for you.

Intentionality. None of these suggestions for improving self-care will happen if you are not intentional. You must begin by being intentional about taking better care of yourself. So, . . .

Plan to be in bed at a certain time each night so you can get 7–8 hours of sleep.

Shop so you can eat healthily, and avoid buying the things you know are not good for you. When eating out, choose restaurants that offer you more healthy choices.

If you have poor habits in these areas, start a little at time, but you will have to schedule time for exercise (put it on your calendar!). You cannot wait for when you have the time; you must intentionally set aside the time.

Have you been neglecting yourself, telling yourself you are too busy to care for yourself? Think of how much better you would feel and how much more effective you could be in what you are doing, if you would take the time to care for yourself. Chances are you would get more done in less time.

On a scale of 1 – 10 how would you rate your self-care?

What one thing can you begin today to improve your self-care?

If you would like help in achieving your goals in any area of your life, call us at 208-880-0307 or email us at errol@errolcarrim.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session. To read Errol’s other posts, visit Christ-Centered Life Coaching.

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