Pour into yourself
WE’RE almost at the fifth month of the year, and it’s the perfect time to do a wellness check-up, to test if you have been pouring into yourself as a woman. Oftentimes we do so much for others that we forget to take a step back and breathe, yet it’s so important that we take time for ourselves, so that we can be our best selves.
A few months ago we addressed the importance of mindfulness, checking in, and manifesting only good things. Today it’s all about the steps you should be taking to pour into yourself.
Life coach and actualisation specialist Yolanda Livingston shares these seven tips that should help, as you prepare for Mindful May.
Get therapy
You’ll never know how life-altering this is until you take that first dip into therapy. This doesn’t even have to be an expensive expert, therapy can be something as simple as venting to an authority figure and having them guide you through solutions, or reading literature specific to the issues you face. “If you can afford to, book a few sessions with a therapist and unload, and your life will be so much better for it,” Livingston said.
Lock that door and take time for yourself
You can’t be everything for everybody, and so when you can get some time, take the time for yourself. “When your partner gets home from work, let that be the time that they relieve you from childcare duties, and lock yourself in a room by yourself, so you can plan, think and meditate alone,” Livingston said. She said even if this is just a few minutes, clearing your head is super important.
Manifest good outcomes
“I am loved, I am worthy, I am a magnet for abundance” is one of the many manifestation techniques being used on social media, for repeating each day to yourself. Once you manifest good outcomes for yourself, the universe will listen, and all good things will align.
Reward yourself
There’s no way your entire salary should be going to bills, your kids, groceries or other things that don’t directly benefit you. Reward yourself with something you like each month — that sushi, Mochi ice cream, jewellery, shoes, clothes, a bottle of wine — something that you’d ordinarily feel guilty about buying, but heck, it’s your money, so why not?
Escape
Getting out of your comfort space, that day-to-day drudgery, is important, especially when you feel overwhelmed. Something as simple as a drive out to Palisadoes while you put your windows down and enjoy the sea breeze can be enough of an escape for an evening, that will give you enough adrenaline to face what’s ahead.
Make your space nice
Buy nice curtains, soft bedsheets, cotton or silk pajamas, scented candles, appealing essential oils for your diffuser, and things of that nature, that will make your space nice and welcoming. When your space is nice, you’ll feel that all is well with the world.
Say no
Know how and when to say no — after all, you’re just one person, and life goes on. If something makes you uncomfortable, is going to take up too much of your time, is too expensive, or you’re just not feeling it, it’s OK to say no, even if the person asking doesn’t like your response. Set boundaries for your life, your space and your person, and stick to them.
