UNPRECEDENTED is a word I have heard used by so many this summer. Innergize Day is Friday, September 23. I chose the day after the autumnal solstice because it is the time the earth goes into rest and hibernation and I wanted it to be an inspiration to us. However, at least here in NC, we are breaking yet another record. The first day of autumn is supposed to be in the 90’s. Unprecedented. Many people are excited about the having an extended summer and some are ready for the heat to cease and to open their windows and enjoy a cool breeze.
Besides having record-breaking temperatures throughout the country this summer, we’ve had an unprecedented number of fires in many states. There have been deaths and tragedies. I’m not going to go through everything. It doesn’t mean I don’t care about them. We still are recovering from so much. Some unprecedent wins: 24 year old Frances Tiafore is the first African-American man to reach the US Open semi-finals since 1972. Serena Williams went out with a vengeance (taking a break). My message this month focuses on YOUR HEALTH. In order for you to be productive, energized and ready for what the world/work/home is going to throw at you, it is important that you do something to help you Innergize.
“Self-care: The active process of making your body and mind a pleasant place to inhabit, by filling your own cup first. This ensures you have enough to give others.”
Choose to take care of yourself…CHOOSE HEALTH.
6 STEPS TO INNERGIZING CHOOSE HEALTH
“You are worth the quiet moment. You are worth the deeper breath. You are worth the time it takes to slow down, be still and rest.” MHN
Step One: Give yourself permission. I usually start with this. Many people think they “can’t” or “shouldn’t” take time for themselves. Give yourself permission to be still, to feel, to be honest, permission to ask for help.
Step Two: Self-care and Mental Health:
Schedule and appointment with you. Disconnect from technology and news. Do something mindless (read, color, sit outside and enjoy nature, watch animals play, etc.). Schedule an appointment with a mental health provider. There are many resources available if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, have high anxiety or need someone to talk to. Learn to rest and relax. Tapping into your spiritual self, whatever that is for you, has been proven to help with your mental and physical well-being.
Step Three: Take a Break from Business:
If you are an entrepreneur, it is easy not to have well defined boundaries. You need to disconnect from work. Have a separate place for work and peace. If you work in a business not your own, disconnect. Try not to bring work home. If you do bring work home, set time limits. DO NOT WORK DURING VACATION!
Step Four: Move Your Body
Take a walk. Dance like nobody’s watching. Take a class (yoga, martial arts, Zumba, etc.) Find an activity on YouTube. Working out helps to stimulate your mind and your body. Research has shown, by exercising for 10 minutes with intensity and effort, can get results.
Step Five: Be Grateful:
Finding the good, no matter how small, helps us to feel good. Be thankful/grateful in all things. I like a song that says, “…gratefulness is flowing from my heart.” Help others. It doesn’t have to be something big or flashy. Small things make a big difference to many people. My mantra lately has been, “I’m thankful I can and that I am able.” I’ve mentioned this before. At the end of the day, I journal. Part of my journaling is writing at least 3 things I am grateful for. We get bogged down in what is not working that we miss the blessings of answered prayers or little things.
Step Six: Celebrate:
Treat yourself to a new experience or do something you really enjoy. Or simply treat yourself to flowers, a specialty coffee or tea. Celebrate yourself. Celebrate life. Celebrate the little things. Celebrate others.
Think about how you can inngergize every day. Take this day to start focusing on your personal health and well-being. Do things you enjoy that make you feel good about yourself. Let stress and worry fade away for the day.
Happy innergizing,
Michelle
