Self-care 2.0

Self-care is more than treating yourself to a mani-pedi or massage. You must also focus on your spiritual and emotional well being. You need a strategy on how to become Unshakable during the

rockiest times in life.

Don't get me wrong a massage is a great way to kick off your self-care journey. However, self-care should last more than a few hours.

It's time to upgrade your self-care.

Just like any great workout, you must target the area where you desire to see optimal results. You must have the same mindset when it comes to implementing self-care practices. I call it self-care 2.0 the hybrid of self-care and self-awareness. Self-care 2.0 is not limited to an activity it's a strategy. The formula is simple (balance care + small wins celebrations + big wins strategies= optimal self-care ).

The first step is to schedule balanced care activities see the examples below.

• A 30 min walk in the morning (physical care)

• Attend Unshakable Women Empowerment Workshop (emotional & spiritual care)

• Read a book on a topic that will help cultivate your purpose (self-development),

• Date night with the hubby (relationship care).

The second component of the formula is to PAR-TAY! Seriously, you must learn to make a big deal out of the "small wins." You don't need a big budget to celebrate small wins. If you set a goal to go back to school on the first day of class treat yourself to a Starbucks or a nice hot bubble bath by candlelight. My favorite quote by Oprah Winfrey states "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." We can often be our worst critics and ignore all the great things we've accomplished throughout the day.

The purpose of the second part of the formula is to acknowledge the progress you've made no matter how small or insignificant you think it might be.

The final element in the formula is "Big Win Strategies."

When you exercise, you want lasting results. However, those lasting results took more than just an hour at the gym. It required a change in your diet and a large amount of grit. If the physical body needs several steps to see sustained results, how much more effort you should invest into your self-care?

For a draining week a mani-pedi just might due; however, if you had a draining year, it's going to take a little more than a girl's night out or a facial to regroup from long periods of stress. This is why you need a Big Win Strategy to help you identify potential hazards that will bring about stress, depression, or hopelessness and overcome them.

Identify Triggers

You have to identify what causes you stress. If you get upset when you get home to find the kids have ignored their chores this is a trigger. Instead of complaining and taking your stress out on the kids or spouse. You need a plan that is going to result in a Big Win. Try calling letting the family know that you are on your way home and would appreciate a clean house. If they perform the task reward them by remaining positive. Avoid saying things like "about time you guys listen to me" or "now if you can just do this all the time" it's only going to add tension to the situation.

This might appear to be a small thing but will work wonders in your family relations. If you can create a healthy environment in your home, I call that a Big Win.

Best wishes on your journey to Self-care 2.0!

#selfcare #manicure #smallwins