Prioritize Self-Care

Dear Feeling Low,

Ultimately, giving yourself the gift of self-care and prioritizing your well-being is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the people you love as well as to yourself.

It sounds like you have a good handle on what I call your inner knowing. In other words, your intuition is strong, you’re just not following through with what it’s trying to tell you.

If you’re wondering where to start in prioritizing your fitness training, I recently shared Maggie Fazeli Fard’s advice in my November 20th column. She’s the Senior Fitness Editor for Experience Life Magazine and a Master Fitness Trainer and she recommends you start with strength training. Next, add cardio and stretching. Chair yoga is a good choice.

Of course, self-care is more than exercise; it’s also getting a full night’s sleep, eating healthy food, and carving out time for friends and social activities that are enjoyable. You notice I write “enjoyable,” not “mandatory.” Learn to say no to the people and activities that drain you, and yes to those things you really want to do.

The holidays may be the most challenging time of year to reestablish your boundaries, but if you can do it now, you’ll have a head start as you enter the new year. You’re worth it!