Many of us have so many responsibilities in life that we forget to take care of ourselves. While it is challenging to make taking care of ourselves a priority, self care is a vital activity in living our best life, having  great health and managing stress.

 I just came off a very rewarding and busy month. Each day I am grateful I get to do what I do professionally and it provides me with the lifestyle I have, AND I know all you fellow entrepreneurs can relate, at times running a business can be a never ending to do list. I often encourage my clients to block out in their calendar personal priorities first such as vacations throughout the year, quality time with friends and family, exercise etc.  If we do not make these self care activities a priority, our “to do” list can take over.

 This week I am looking forward to a week away at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa, a resort nestled snugly in the forest on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island. We will be enjoying spa treatments, yoga classes, an ocean view room, the Pacific Mist Hydropath® (which offers the many benefits of hydrotherapy including remineralization, detoxification, relaxation, in a setting that evokes the Island’s natural seaside elements) - ohh just thinking about it I experience the benefits of self care.  

Here are some benefits that just may have you decide today to put self care at the top off your list:

•  Self care can prevent chronic stress from damaging your health. ( I know many of  us live with chronic stress and are not aware of it)
• Taking time out to care for yourself reinforces self value. Taking time for you can make you feel good about yourself and your life, and conveys to others that you value yourself. This can contribute to long-term feelings of wellbeing.
• Self care makes you happier.  People who neglect their own needs and forget to nurture themselves are at danger of deeper levels of unhappiness, low self-esteem and feelings of resentment.
•  You are a better person to those who are important to you:  when we nurture ourselves we have so much more to give to those we love and care for.
• Time alone allows us to have self reflection and many times our problems work themselves out without the need of focused, stressed concentration.

 Do you make self care a priority? I hope so – you deserve it!