Make Time for You

Make Time for You

A vast majority of people are guilty of making New Year’s Eve resolutions. We decide to commit to losing weight, read more, spend less time on social media, quit smoking, or drink less. Making these lifestyle changes are well and good, but a large percentage of those who make them struggle to stick with it. You may ask yourself, “How many times can I try to…?” The truth is, as many times as it takes. There is no doubt that these committed changes or goals take determination and not everyone gets it right the first time around. I’ve heard that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but recent studies showed that it actually takes about 66 days.

It’s never too late to make a change, whether if it’s a New Year’s resolution or you wake up Thursday morning and decide to start riding your bike to work. Having a goal that will make a positive impact on your life is worth it. It’s not impossible to be the person you want to be, to form positive habits or take time for you, self-care is crucial for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

Where to Start

Taking care of yourself is not selfish and you’re not being inconsiderate to others. It is a way to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself and in return spreads to those around you. There is a saying, “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy.” Well, if we’re sad or stresses those around us pick up on it and can be affected by it. Positive feelings can produce confidence and boost our self-esteem and the people around us feed off of it. It’s important to understand that there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ beginning to self-care. We’re all different and need different approaches to the practice, you just need to find what works for you.

Healthy Place has a few ideas of where to start and stays within a reasonable budget. They have a list of inner and outer self-care ideas to help boost your energy and mood:

Inner Self-Care

  • Make a date with yourself. Spend an hour alone doing something that nourishes you, not work or things on your to-do list (reading, your hobby, walking around the neighborhood, visiting a museum or gallery, etc.).
  • Read books and watch movies you enjoy.
  • Paint or write something that lets out your creative energy.
  • Take a class for fun.
  • Learn mindfulness or connect with a spiritual practice that vibes with you.

Outer Self-Care

  • Eat something you enjoy.
  • Do a mini-declutter. Recycle three things from your wardrobe that you don’t love or regularly wear or clean out your backpack/purse.
  • Help someone. Carry a bag, open a door, or pick up an extra carton of milk for a neighbor.
  • Run or walk for a few minutes. Or go up and down the stairs two at a time, get your heart rate up.
  • Touch a pet. If you don’t have one, go to the park or animal shelter and ask to touch one.

The Open Door

There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself and it isn’t necessary to go it alone. Seeking direction from peers or professionals can lead to a positive outcome. You are not alone in the search for lasting, positive changes in your life. Positive growth isn’t out of your reach, The Open Door offers a variety of free classes in Cisco to help you reach your goals, learn a new skill, or speak with others in a similar situation as yourself. Contact us at 254-442-3000 or visit us at www.supportopendoor.org to learn more.

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