Make Self-Care Your Super Power

It’s likely that you’re successful, influential, and considered one of the best at what you do. That’s why I want to speak to you. You are in the position to help advance the importance of self-care to those you love and those you lead.

You say, “Wait, I’m not great at self-care myself.”

I say, “You will be.”

I’m confident you can be great at caring for yourself, setting a great example for others to follow, and encouraging them to take better care of themselves. I’m confident because you’re a leader – that’s what you do. It’s who you are.

All I need to do is convince you why Self-Care is the new Superpower. (Well, it’s not new).

What is Self-Care?

Self-Care is “a practice of activities that an individual initiates and performs on their own behalf in maintaining life, health, and wellbeing.” (Wikipedia)

Self-care is deliberate and self-initiated activities that you perform to ensure you’re at your best physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. It’s your total life wellbeing.

You strive to be the best, right? Self-care supports you in being your best.

Since becoming mainstream, self-care has gotten twisted a bit. Let’s straighten it up.

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s one of the most generous ways you can show up in this world because you honor yourself and others. You have enough energy to give others your best. We’ve all read, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” But the cup of a person who commits to self-care overflows.

Self-care isn’t just for women. Whenever you read a blog on self-care, there’s usually an image of a woman there. There’s a reason for it. Even in the modern household, women still take on most of the caring responsibilities. The majority of women work outside the home (57%) and they spend as much as 50% more time in caregiving responsibilities than men. So, if you’re a woman, you’re pouring from your cup a lot. You need self-care, for sure.

Self-care is also for men. Stress-related illnesses affect men and women alike, but men are more likely to have reported chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and heart attacks. Men are also less likely to say they’ve taken steps to reduce the stress in their lives.

Self-care isn’t just for the affluent. This should be obvious. Everyone needs self-care, but images of self-care activities like spa day, mani/pedi, trips to Zen destinations, and shopping sprees are not accessible to many people. And while those are great activities that can be stress-reducing (except maybe the shopping spree), their effects are not lasting. Compare those with activities like watching one of your favorite movies with a friend or loved one, taking a walk, drinking water, reading a good book, and playing with your pet, and those more lavish activities pale in their enduring effects.

That gets to my last point.

Self-care isn’t hard. Keep it simple. Self-care is doing what you need to maintain your life, health, and wellbeing. You want to be here, and your family, team, community, and the world are better with you being here and being your best self.

Eating well is an act of self-care. Getting exercise daily is an act of self-care. Saying your prayers or meditating for a few minutes each day is an act of self-care. Soaking in the tub is an act of self-care. Cleaning the clutter off your desk is an act of self-care. Drinking decaffeinated coffee or a cup of herbal tea is an act of self-care. Getting enough sleep is an act of self-care. Finding moments to laugh is an act of self-care. Getting your annual wellness checkup is a major act of self-care.

Let’s not complicate something that is really easy to do.

Now, back to why I believe you’re the one to make self-care your superpower and convince those you love and lead to do the same.

A Superpower is:

• What makes you succeed
• What makes you stand out from others
• What enables you to be your best
• Your unique qualities that you are known for
• Something you do well
• What attracts others to you

Self-Care is a Superpower. You’re a leader in your home and at work. I’m not talking about titles. I’m talking about how you show up, how you care for others, and how you influence others. Imagine what will happen to those you care about when they see you taking steps toward better self-care. It’s contagious – in a good way.

It’s time to make Self-Care Your Super Power.

If you enjoyed this article, if it was helpful to you, I’m glad. I’d love to hear from you. Email me at tonya@yourahalife.com. Also, to support you on your self-care journey, I’ve included my podcast episode with Wellness coach Kerri Stenson: “Discover, Connect & Love: The Path to True Self-Care,” and I’ve also included a Self-Care Bingo card template that you can enjoy yourself or use it with your family or team. Use the pre-populated one or create your own.

If you’re not already a member of the Your Aha! Life Global Community, click here to sign up and receive a free exercise to help you discover your Ikigai (purpose). I welcome you into a growing community of people who are committed to reaching their highest potential and living their best lives. If you’re on Facebook consider joining my private Facebook group, The Aha! Community. It’s where the learning and sharing continues.

P.S. Save the Date! The next Your Aha! Life Global Community MeetUp will be September 30, 2021, 7:30 PM EDT via Zoom. Registration information coming soon. I’d love to get to know you, have fun, and learn together.