Most often we tend to put our own health and well-being last as we try to help and please the people around us. In theory this might sound wonderful but in practice it simply doesn’t work.

Caring for ourselves translates to caring for others, which translates to powerful inspiration and happiness.

So let’s not just read it and delete it. Start today and put it into practice.

1. Start your day with Meditation.

Even if it’s just a 10-15 minutes, choose that time to clear errant thoughts and focus on that day’s outcome.

2. Schedule “Me” Time

Focusing on work is a great excuse for not taking care of yourself. Like your business, if you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen. Put yourself on the calendar and keep your appointment!

3. Get enough ZZZs.

The scientific benefits of sleep are innumerable. In addition to detoxifying the brain, sufficient sleep equates to more happiness, better health and improved decision-making. Recharge those batteries.

4. Let’s Get Physical.

Sedentary life behind a computer screen, day after day will kill you. There, it’s been said. Get up, get out, get moving. Not into marathons? Try yoga or simply go for a walk. Just move.

5. Keep a Journal.

This can be a great way to ‘download’ all the stuff from the day and defrag your ‘hard drive’ – aka your brain. Life can be very busy and keeping a journal can be very therapeutic. Go back and read Item #2 on this list.

6. Crank up the Tunes.

Listening to music you enjoy decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body, which counteracts the effects of chronic stress. Combine this with Item #4 and bust a move.

7. Make Time for Play and Remember to Laugh. A lot.

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we’ve stopped playing. Play and laughter help us keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations and disappointments. Laughter really is the best medicine. It makes us feel good and the good feeling that we get when we laugh and have fun remains with us even after the laughter subsides. Pictionary anyone?

Now Go Get  Connected!

About Cathy Kuzel
An award-winning Leader, Entrepreneur and Business Development Strategist, Cathy teaches entrepreneurs how to let go of limiting beliefs and “Stand Up & Stand Out” to have the business success they dream of. Cathy is recognized across Canada for her expertise on “All Things Small Biz”. Named one of the Top Ten Mentors in Canada, Women of Worth Leader of the Year, the Founder of The Connected Woman Association, Author of “Are You a Collector or a Connector?”; “I’m on the Phone!”; the internationally known “Daily Espressos- Your Read it and Delete it Kickstart to Your Day” and is a networking maven. (whew!)