Taking Time for Yourself

If you’re anything like me, there always seems to be a never ending to do list. As a Clinical Herbalist, entrepreneur, business owner and mother of three, there is always something to do. Bored is not a word in my vocabulary. Because I am so busy all the time I really have to make it a priority to do things for myself that nourish and take care of ME. When I incorporate these things into my life it gives me the space I need to nourish myself, so that I can ultimately be there to show up for my clients and my family. 

Some of the things I make a priority to incorporate and that bring me joy are; my daily yoga practice, working in my garden, getting regular massages, listening to my favorite podcast, reading books, taking baths, and going to live comedy shows. 

It hasn’t always been this way. For most of my life I put the needs of others before my own. It has just been in the past 5 years or so that I have come to the conclusion that if I don’t put myself first, I will not have the bandwidth or energy to help others. 

The things that bring us joy and nourish us look different for everyone. This month I encourage you to think about the things that bring you joy and nourish you. Take a moment to write them down, and ask yourself how often you include these things in your life. If the answer is not often, I challenge you to schedule some time to include them. If you put it on your calendar you are more likely to actually follow through with it. And it may seem like there is no time at first. But if you sneak it into your schedule, even 15 minutes a day to go on walk or get outside, or read a book you've been wanting to read, or listen to a new album you haven't time to, I guarantee you it will feed your soul. 

As a holistic practitioner, this is actually a question I have on my intake form. What things bring you joy in life and how often do you incorporate them? Encouraging my clients to incorporate more of what brings them joy is essential in the work we do together. Most of my clients are very busy women with full time jobs and families. 

When things get busy we tend to put ourselves on the back burner when we are overwhelmed and have so much to do, but the more you add in these little pieces of the puzzle that feed and nourish you, you’ll start to see that things get a little less overwhelming and you are able to handle things differently. 

So this month, I challenge you to take some more time for yourself, carve it out in your day. You are just as important as everyone else. 

Love, 

Danielle