The importance of self-care for your health & business...

Self-care is something that is usually over looked and not thought about like exercise or eating healthy. Do you agree? 


But it is just as important, if not more so than both of those things. Let me tell you why and this comes from my own personal experience. 


About four years ago I embarked on a lifestyle change of my own. I did an online weight loss program, multiple times, because I had slowly put on 10kg and wasn't happy with what I saw in the mirror any more. My clothes were tight and I was pushing the next size up. Plus my fitness was non-existent. 


Enough was enough!


Over 12 months I went on this journey of exercising and healthy eating. It was a completely new world to me. I fell off the wagon but managed to get back on and slowly but surely my way of life became these changes. It wasn't a struggle any more, it was just part of my life. 


But something else was missing...I still had negative self-talk going on in my head whenever I looked in the mirror. Yes, even though I lost the 10kg (20lbs), I wanted more, but what was I searching for?!

Almost two years ago I stumbled across a couple of wellness blogs. I was intrigued! This world was nothing I had come across before and it wasn't mentioned in the weight loss program I did. 



It was about your mindset and taking the time to look after yourself in more ways than just exercise and nutrition. 




* A little side note, I have made sure with my online lifestyle program that mindset and self-love is a main focus.


This instantly clicked with me and I haven't looked back. I loved it so much and still do, that I am now a Fitness & Self-Care Coach for other business women. I teach them how important self-care really is. If you are interested in me helping you incorporate this into your busy life, I am taking bookings for all of my coaching packages from September 2015 on wards.


I preach about self-care like no tomorrow to some of my clients, especially mothers and business owners. They show a lot of resistance when it comes to this topic and I am on a mission to change this. 


I'm not a mother...but will be very soon, but I am a business owner and that is the approach I am taking with this blog post.




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When I first started my business nearly two years ago, I took a leap of absolute faith and quit my well paying job in events. I believed in myself and my business. It was scary as hell but boy has it been worth it. 


But the thing with starting your own business is you can work like a dog. You are always 'on' and never 'off'. I was constantly on my phone checking for any new emails from potential clients or putting up content on Facebook. I was determined to grow my business even if it meant I had to work all day every day. 


Now I don't have that mindset any more because that mindset will equal complete burnout. Plus you will start to lose your creativity and ideas will lack. Your mind starts to become foggy. Your body becomes tired and exhausted. Not a great way to be. 


It all needs to start with losing the guilt associated with taking some time out for you and your self-care. Know that it is okay to shut your laptop and turn your phone on silent. Be uncontactable for however long you need, on a regular basis. 


My dad once told me, "Kylie you need to work smarter, not harder" and this has stuck with me. It pops into my head whenever I can feel myself needing a break.


Here is a great example of what taking some time out can do for your business...


This one particular week I was pushing my work out, that alone is not a good thing. I was procrastinating and wasting time. I put my to-do list away so I didn't have to look at it. I soon realised what I was doing, so I stopped, closed my eyes, put my hand on my heart and I asked myself "Kylie what do you need right now?". The word that popped into my head loud and clear was DISCONNECT. 


Wow, I was shocked to be honest. But I listened to this guidance and closed my laptop and walked out of my office. I spent the next couple of hours cooking, reading, meditating and sitting outside. 


"It completely cleared my head and was exactly what I needed!


I went back to my computer and work flowed out of me. It was beautiful! 


Something as simple as taking a couple of hours off to reconnect to myself and restore my mind, body and soul was all it took. 


Ever since then, I now stop working when I feel myself procrastinating. I don't let it go on for two days like I used to. I nip it in the butt there and then. 




Work can wait. Social media can wait. I am not going to miss out on anything if I take two hours off or a couple of days off. Everything will still be there blissfully waiting for you to return.


If you don't look after your mind, your business will eventually suffer. You don't want that do you hunnie? Allow yourself to take a break and clear your mind. Your most amazing ideas will then come to you, allowing you to grow and grow your business. 


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If you suffer from overworking and never knowing when to switch off, I am setting you a challenge! I would love for you to take some time out THIS WEEK and do something that makes you happy and relaxed. It can be absolutely anything.
 

Are you up for the challenge?


If so, make sure you take a photo of what you are doing to take time out and after this time, when you are back working, post it on Instagram and remember to tag me @be_your_radiant_self and #beyourradiantself. I would love to see what you got up to this week to improve your mindset and your business.


Also share with us in the comments below what you plan on doing and when! Be accountable! 




Let's promote taking time out as female business owners and being absolutely okay with it. Enjoy it. Relish it. Look forward to it, knowing your business will continue to grow stronger and stronger as you continue to incorporate self-care into your hectic schedule. 



P.S If you haven't become part of the Radiant Tribe yet, join the community now by popping in your name & email address above and click 'subscribe'. As a thank you, you will receive your very own copy of my latest eBook, 'Secrets to Sticking with a Radiant Lifestyle' instantly plus a couple of extra goodies just because I love you.



Be happy & healthy,