Taking time for you

Tips for Self-Nurturing

Tried and true ways to put yourself first.

Putting yourself first is an acquired skill. Dr. Ann Webster, Scientist and a Clinical Corporate Trainer at the Mind/Body Medical Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, and an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School, recommends practising the art of self-nurture. She offers these 50 suggestions:

1. Learn to say no. Saying 'no' is really saying 'yes' to yourself.
2. Treat yourself to new and good things (a walk, a chocolate bar, or call an old friend).
3. Stop trying to fix and micromanage others.
4. Leave work early.
5. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
6. "Hire" help - e.g. a bookkeeper.
7. Cancel out sometimes to catch a breath.
8. Give yourself praise or positive strokes.
9. Regress - eat with your hands, blow bubbles.
10. Develop a wide variety of resources for gratification in life - family, friends, travel.
11. Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.
12. Join a book club, an amateur sports team, whatever.
13. Volunteer.
14. Turn off your computer, cell phone, TV, alarm clock, beeper.
15. Have a day of dedicated silence - no communicating for 24 hours.
16. Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments so you can show up with grace and dignity.
17. Avoid drinking coffee all day.
18. Don't watch the 11 p.m. news.
19. Practise being patient. Create patience practice periods, such as while waiting in line, rather than being agitated.
20. Keep a journal, which is a great therapy tool
21. Don't try to be perfect.
22. Resist the urge to judge and criticize because we do not all see or do things in same way.
23. Take a risk. Not taking risks is the biggest risk of all. We are so lucky in this generation where it is easy to change careers.
24. Create your absolute "yes" list - be clear about your priorities and get on the path.
25. Avoid "stress carriers" - they dump on you.
26. Avoid "negaholics".
27. Try to find humour in bad situations.
28. When stressed out, ask yourself if this will really make a difference in a week.
29. Nurture your soul - create a sacred space.

	Putting yourself first is an acquired skill.