August Newsletter

Howdy <<First Name>>,

I was talking with a client recently about self-care. The discussion got me thinking about what self-care means and why it's important. 

So I looked up "self" and "care" in the dictionary.

Self means oneself or itself; of oneself or itself; and by, to, with, for or toward yourself or itself, according to Merriam-Webster.

Care means effort made to do something correctly, safely or without causing damage; things that are done to keep someone healthy, safe, etc.; and things that are done to keep something in good condition, the dictionary indicates.

My definition of self-care today is taking actions to be good to oneself.

Some people think self-care is about must-dos for physical health, whether it be exercising and eating "well" to achieve and maintain a certain weight or sleeping enough in order to perform at an optimal level.

Others think it's about pampering oneself with manicures and spa treatments.

But self-care, or self-love, can be about other, less tangible things like setting boundaries, being kinder to oneself, eating well purely to feel good, taking care of a long-neglected task, having fun and increasing connections with people you like.

What is the value of self-care? Why should we be bothered making our well-being a priority? Among other things it can help fend off disease, help with stress management and allow for healthy relationships.

What is your definition of self-care? Jot down how you do and don't practice self-care in all areas of your life. What is one self-care activity you can do this week?

Uncertain what to do to up the self-care quotient? Head on over to the blog where you can read "50 Self-Care Strategies for Busy Professionals," contributed by four fabulous busy professional women.

Feel free to post a comment on Connect the Dots Coaching's Facebook page or drop me an email at lauren@connectdotscoaching.com.