More Extreme Self-Care

Extreme self-care is not just about taking bubble baths and getting massages (though those things are great!). Extreme self-care involves setting boundaries, prioritizing your needs, and taking a proactive role in your overall well-being - mentally, physically, and emotionally.

It's about becoming the best version of yourself by consistently showing up for yourself in ways that promote long-term health, happiness, and balance.

It starts with Emotional & Spiritual Self-Care.

Self Compassion: Many women who struggle with weight issues tend to be hard on themselves. Learning to value self-compassion can have a huge impact on your success. You don't need to be perfect; you just need to be consistent with taking care of yourself and treating yourself with kindness.

Spirituality & Connection: Extreme self-care includes cultivating a sense of purpose or connection, whether that's through meditation, prayer, spending time in nature, or connecting with a supportive community. This provides mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall peace.

Extreme self-care is also about Breaking the Dieting Mentality.

Intuitive Eating: It's important to shift away from the dieting mindset and focus on intuitive eating, where you listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues instead of following restrictive diets. Extreme self-care means trusting your body to guide you towards what it needs.

No More Guilt or Shame Around Food: Food is meant to nourish, not to be feared. It's important to release guilt and shame around food choices, which can create unhealthy cycles of overeating or restriction.

Extreme self-care means incorporating Actionable Self-Care Tips.

Morning Routine for Self-Care: Incorporate a simple morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day. This could include hydration, light stretching, a gratitude practice, or affirmations.

Stress Management: Incorporate quick stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, short walks, or taking a break in nature. These can help balance cortisol levels and improve mood, which can also impact weight loss and emotional well-being.

The Power of Saying "No": Saying no without guilt, especially when it comes to food choices or social situations that don't align with your well-being.

Extreme self-care includes Cultivating Self-Love and Self-Respect.

It means treating yourself with the love and respect you deserve. Know that you are worthy of taking time for yourself, not just as a means to lose weight but as a way to truly honor your body, mind, and heart.

Self Affirmations and Visualization: Use positive affirmations and visualization techniques to build confidence and foster self-love.

I didn't include self-care into my life until after a cancer diagnosis in 2019. I thought that self-care was just another waste of time. I couldn't see myself sitting in a chair to get a facial or massage, when I had other more "important" things to do, like work.

Self-Care isn't selfish!

Make it a priority in your life. Don't wait, like I did until you have no other choice.