Did you know that the choices you are making today are going to determine the way you look and feel 6 months from now? And the way you are looking and feeling today is from how you have treated yourself in the last 6 months.

A few weeks ago, the way I had been treating my body finally caught up to me. I have been traveling teaching about essential oils, teaching yoga, running a juice bar, assisting my son with “senior stuff,” and training my teams. These things are all good, right? Yes, each thing is good and fun, but sometimes even good things have to be tempered with rest. If your first thought was “Rest…what’s that? It sounds vaguely familiar, but…, ” then listen up!

My body MADE me rest. I was in the bed for a couple of days. The crazy thing was that I almost enjoyed being sick. Why? Because I didn’t have to feel guilty about laying in the bed. How sick is that?!?!

Why do we allow feelings of guilt over taking care of ourselves? We put everything and everyone else first. We equate busyness with worthiness. We work ourselves to death to have a few years of freedom (retirement) before we die. Why not enjoy some of the days we have along the way?

After my body said, “Rest,” I decided to take some random days through the month for rest and relaxation. So, I went through my calendar and scheduled rest days. Now, granted, my first one was Memorial Day, but, hey, it’s a start! Days off might seem normal to most people, but to us type A’s, it can be challenging! Someone told me once it is an art to learn to relax during a massage. While I have no problem with that one, I do have to remind myself to actually schedule the massage! So, if you are anything like me, I’ve come up with a way to help. Here are 5 things to help you replace guilt with joy, and have you on your way to feeling your best!

1. Plan a date once a week. Maybe it’s with your spouse, your child, or your friend. Take one hour out of your week to sit without your phone, and just connect with a real person. Look into their eyes, and actually listen and share from the heart with complete attention.
2. Schedule days off during your month. Put it on the calendar. Don’t plan a major activity on all those days off. Let them be easy, breezy days, that maybe you stay in your pajamas all day! Yes, I give you (and myself) permission.
3. Step away from the computer! I know, I know, it was supposed to make our lives easier, and help us work less. How’s that working? I feel like I have square eyes sometimes. Give your eyes a break, and give your body a break from that posture. Stand up, walk around, do some jumping jacks. You will be surprised how that increases your energy!
4. Step into nature! Take a walk, a hike, a bike ride, or dig in the garden. It is a natural stress reliever just to get outside, and take a minute to appreciate God’s handiwork! Nature is beautiful. Notice how the fresh air instantly makes you feel better. It’s very uplifting.
5. My health coaching clients will recognize this one…For 30 days: Look at yourself in the mirror, and say, “I love you and accept you just the way you are.” Yes, it will be challenging, it might even bring tears the first time or two, but do it anyway. If you keep saying it, your heart will catch up to your face, and you might just start to believe it!

You’ve heard my story, and I want to hear yours!  Leave a comment below, and tell me what is your favorite way to give yourself some de-stress time.