For the past 22 years, one of my biggest challenges has been to make it through a full 24 hours without pain. I'm not sure at what point I decided that I didn't want to be defined by the chronic illnesses I had been diagnosed with, but I do know that I never wanted to use them as an excuse or a crutch. Almost to my detriment at times. As someone who is constantly on the go, it can sometimes start to feel restrictive not being able to get up and go when I want to go and do what I want to do, especially when it's out of my control.

I didn't ask for help when I could have used the extra hand. I smiled when I wanted to scream. I overcompensated when I should have been resting. I shamed myself instead of celebrating and honoring all that I am. I held myself to the same standards of others that weren't fighting my fight and that weren't in the position I was in and quite honestly they just weren't me.

It was a long road back to self-care and self-love and one I wouldn't trade for anything. One of the biggest lessons I learned through the journey is that being a warrior doesn't mean you need to be in battle all the time. Be easy. Be exactly where you are. Be there fiercely. In presence, there's no room to compare this moment to that one.

Caring for self doesn't have to be a full blown spa day and it's not about locking yourself away for hours every day. It's about maintaining a level of care for yourself on a consistent basis, feeling good about who you are and what you have to offer and maintaining that feeling of self-love... and on the days when you feel like there's no time or energy left, those are the days we need it the most.

Here's 3 self-care tips to boost your energy that don't take any addition time or energy out of your all ready full and busy life....

Create a feel good playlist ~ and don't just stop at one. Make one when you want to feel empowered right before a big presentation or meeting, one to get the morning started, one when you need to remind yourself of how bad ass you are, one when you're feeling hopeless and need to remind yourself that this too shall pass, etc.
Dress to impress ~ Wear clothes that makes you stand tall and feel good, don't save your best outfits for "special occasions." When we wear things that make us feel beautiful, we get an extra pep in our step and it affects how we interact with those around us. Even if you're not feeling well, a shower and some fresh jammies can make a huge difference.
Unplug yourself ~ Shut your phone off for a bit and get away from the screens. Get up, go for a walk on your lunch break, meditate, journal about your dreams, listen to a podcast, read a book.

Over to you...

Share with us in the comments below, how do you define self-care?

Xx,

Coach Reita

3 Self-care Tips To Boost Your Energy