The following is a guest article by Rachel Hurley, whose ideas match mine in regards to loving self. Enjoy!
Loving YOU
Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or married with children, it is imperative you put aside a small portion of your day for a little ME time. The rigours of family life and the working world can wreak havoc on your confidence and self-esteem, whatever your situation, leaving you feeling disconnected from your life and swimming against a tide of self doubt.
Sometimes, we’re all so bothered about pleasing other people that we forget what’s really important to ourselves. But investing some time in yourself is by no means selfish – it simply gives you a little breathing room in a fast-paced and hectic society, where sometimes every second seems to have been accounted for.
Good for your body
If you have run yourself mentally ragged looking after the kids, your partner, or your boss all day, chances are you feel exhausted by the evening. However, exercise is a great way to help you exercise your body and stay fit, especially if you work in a stagnant office environment where no one does much moving.
The benefits of exercise on the body are well known – it can reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke – and actually makes you feel better about yourself. In fact, the endorphins you get with exercise often make you feel happier, more fulfilled, and more energetic – and of course there are the aesthetic benefits too.
Good for your mind
We all know we should exercise and eat well to ensure a healthy body – but did you know physical activity is also good for your brain. According to scientists at Cambridge University, exercise stimulates grey matter growth in the brain. Running and other aerobic activity can cause the formation of hundreds of new brain cells, which are used for learning and memory recollection. In fact, taking the time out to jog for 30 minutes every day may even prevent the deterioration of your brain in old age.
In addition, years of sedentary office work might reduce your mental capacity (even despite those “stimulating” spreadsheets)! So, instead of working late and staying in during the evenings, take some “ME time” and go for a run around the block. It’s good for your body and your mind.
Good for your soul
When was the last time you actually switched off? I know people who even take their smart-phones to the bathroom with them because they are so addicted to the constant stream of information. Between TV, radio, and all the internet-connected devices available to us today, we rarely have a moment’s peace and quiet to think about our lives, our hopes and dreams, and our aspirations.
So turn off the electronics for a little while and indulge in some technology free time. Think about what YOU want to do with YOUR life, rather than stalking your old college friends on Facebook. Meditation can help you relax and “get away” from it all, or you could even take some time to learn a new skill or take up a hobby.
Whatever you choose to do with your time, remember that you deserve to be the star of your own life – so start doing it your way, without being buried by a sea of stress.
Rachel Hurley writes for Appliances Online and when she isn’t reflecting on life and what really matters, she enjoys grabbing a glass of wine and relaxing on the couch. Follow her on Twitter @Rachel_Hurley23.
Over to you…
Do you often find that you neglect self? How do you show yourself that you’re loving YOU? Please share your thoughts below!
Image Credit: The Wandering Artist on Tumblr
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This is fantastic advice. So many times we are running around, taking care of everything but ourselves. We take care of our jobs, we take care of other people, we take care of our favorite causes… and we forget we are part of the equation. But if we neglect our health and emotional and spiritual well being then we’re going to limit our ability to function and probably even shorten our lives.
One of my biggest struggles is “detaching” from the computer, the phone, and all the alluring technology. It does drive me nuts after a while and I can see myself getting more and more distracted and less and less useful. everyone needs some time to just BE – no intrusions.
Good stuff, everyone should be reminded of this once in a while!
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Carol Lynn recently posted..The Beauty Of Education And Safety: 5 Questions With Dr. Rudolf Thompson, Founder Of The Thompson Center For Plastic Surgery
Hi Carol Lynn, I am so glad you found the article useful! what you are saying is totally true. I struggle to let go of the working world and to switch off all technology outlets in my home, but when i do it is such a freeing feeling! No phone calls, emails or messages…just peace and quite!
Well all need that every now and then!
Kesha!!! You are SOOO right! It’s way too easy to keep ourselves distracted and neglect what really matters…What a good reminder to just pay attention to our needs once in a frick frack while! I think a big one for me is allowing time for naps…I don’t sleep enough, and feel the effects in the evening, but, keep plugging along. BASTA! Thank you!
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eyenie recently posted..10 Proverbs/Sayings I *Finally* Get
Speaking of naps Eyenie, when I was on vacation back in September, I had a nap everyday and it was SWEEEEET! I soooo miss nap time…
Great advice Keesha!
We cannot love another unless we love ourselves! That’s the motto I go by. We do need to detach and give our mind/body/ and spirit a chance to connect. Sometimes we tend to get caught up with things, but it is important to take time out and be with ourselves.
I like the way you mentioned that some people take their phones everywhere, even in the bathroom. My phone is always in the other room. I don’t answer it unless someone leaves a message.
When I go on a walk, I don’t carry one. Many people think it is silly and some get frustrated with me, but I refuse to be a slave to my phone! Even computer time. I am on it a lot, but close it to do things I want to do.
Being with ourSELF is a great mental break from all the noise around us. I thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Donna
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Donna Merrill recently posted..The Power Of NO
OMG YES – phone slaves are abound Donna!!
I will admit though it took me a while before I was able to get away from the phone slave mentality. I realized this one day when I left the house to get gas and groceries (so you know I wasn’t going to be gone long) and found that I had left my phone. I was only in the driveway so could have easily went back in the house to get it but I said “Bump it…” What could be so important in the world that I have to have that phone with me…now, it’s freeing to be away from my phone especially when I’m in “me time” mode.
Thanks for sharing!!
Hey Lakisha, Yes alone time is important. I agree with you totally. Growing up I was an only child and I always needed the ME time for sure. Great post and a wonderful reminder.
Thanks
Excellent post.
I do exercise regularly. My favorite things are Walking and jogging around the lake nearby my house, play tennis and swim. I totally agree that exercise is good for the body, brain and soul. I really need my exercise, and could go a week without it.
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Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..The Law Of Cause And Effect Are You Conscious Of It?
Sylviane, I am so hoping to be like you and not go a week without exercise. I think I’ve finally gotten a routine together! *taking your lead*
I love this advice you’ve shared with us Rachel.
I have to admit that I’m pretty spoiled with everything you mentioned here because I live alone so there is no one to take care of me but me. I do spoil myself too and I’m not a big cell phone user. Okay, I work online all day everyday but I take my breaks during the day. My dog and I go outside and spend a little time plus I walk everyday as well. I now have my Mom living next door to me so I enjoy her company, it’s someone else to talk to.
I always tell everyone to put themselves first because if you’re not happy there is no way you can make anyone else happy. That goes for just taking care of ourselves all around.
Great guest post today Kesha, ya done good girl.
You ladies have an awesome day.
~Adrienne0
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Adrienne recently posted..2012 List Of My Favorite WordPress Plug-ins
Hi Adrienne, I am so glad that i shared this post too now, the response has been brilliant! I just felt the need to help others who struggle to find time for themselves. Just because you live alone doesn’t mean you always make enough time for yourself, unplug your phone line, switch your computer off and enjoy your own company. I do some of my best work thinking when i take some time fore myself!
Have an amazing week
and dont forget your ME time!
Hi Rachel,
You’re so right and I know I always feel better after I’ve been super active, it really does make you feel good. Another thing that works for me always is a hot bath with my favourite potions and lotions afterwards! And buying something nice for myself
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Roz Bennetts recently posted..What’s the best source for Famous Quotes?
Hi Roz,
Thank you for your comment! I am totally going to be treating myself to a lovely hot bath when i get home from work tonight…I feel all inspired
hmm maybe i deserve some new shoes too 
I have been here many times and believe me I have lost me time and time again. It didn’t take till I got divorced that it was just me. It took some time getting used to being on my own, but slowly I started doing things for myself and it was nice taking care of myself. In relationships we get so into the relationship itself and lose a piece of our self day after day.
Whether it’s a good thing or not, taking time for yourself is the best healing process all women need daily. Taking a bath, taking a walk or just gabbing on the phone with our friends is me time. This was a beautiful post Kesha and thank you for sharing it.
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Sonia recently posted..What Motivates You to Blog?
And thank you for sharing your feedback Sonia! By the way, anytime you need to hop on the phone, just holla at me
Rachel, I realize the importance of looking after yourself. I am not selfish, but I have no problem putting myself first.
I do not lack confidence either, I think the way you treat yourself is the same way others will treat you.
I can not express to people how important it is to take care of yourself.
Ways I take care of myself is I do whatever I want as long as it is not illegal.
For example, i plan to visit AZ next year even if I have to go alone.
I so love that you do realize the very concept of looking after self. If that means being selfish, so be it!
So grateful that you stopped by and look forward to connecting with you further.
P.S. Have fun in AZ even if you go alone!
~Kesha