SURREAL is the word that comes to mind as we move out of summer and into fall. Summer is coming to an end much too quickly for me. I am not ready to pull out my sweaters and coats just yet. Summer is my favorite season. Needless to say, it has been an interesting summer. I am not going to rehash all that has happened in 2021 so far. I am not ignoring it. This year’s annual Innergize Day is September 23, most importantly, my message this month focuses on YOU! Take time to enjoy the coming of fall, the beauty of nature, life and the love of friends and family.
So, with all that has gone on the past 18 months, if you find yourself saying, “I just don’t have time to do the personal things I want or need to do for myself,” think again. Author Rick Warren said, “Don’t try to do it all. Do what matters most!”
Putting yourself first is selfless not selfish. Doing so allows you to refuel and thus be full to share with others.
You have a choice. Choose wisely! Choose YOU!
| CHOOSE YOU: 5 Steps to Innergizing |
| Innergize Day is celebrated the day after autumn begins because we need to do as the Earth does: experience a time of hibernation to prepare for renewal. It is a forced day of rest when observers relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. Disconnect from all phones, emails, texts, etc. My goal is to get people to start with one day per year, progress to one day per month, then one day per week, and eventually an hour per day. It is a time of “self-celebration” to be incorporated into one’s daily lifestyle. Step One: Give yourself permission. I tend to start with this step because so many people don’t think that they deserve to take time for themselves. So give yourself permission to put yourself first and not feel guilty. When you rest, relax, renew and rejuvenate you have the energy and clarity to do what you want to do. Step Two: Take your breaks. There is a tendency to skip breaks while we work, or eat while we work. It is important to take periodic breaks to rest your body and mind. When you rest your mind, you are more productive and creative. It is also important to eat properly (this does not mean eating at your desk and working through lunch.) On a personal level, take a break from cooking, cleaning and obsessing about how the house looks. Conversely, since so many of us are living in sweats, yoga pants and maybe even pajamas, have a dress up night or date night (you don’t have to go anywhere) and glam it up. Additionally, with all the balls we have been asked to balance the past 18+ months, we need to take a break. Step Three: Self-care and Mental Health Disconnect from technology and social media. Be grateful. Take your focus off of the things going on in the world and focus on what brings you joy. There are many resources available if you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, high anxiety or need someone to talk to. Step Four: Entrepreneurs – You are your business. Investing in taking care of your mind, body and spirit is investing in the foundation of your business. It is crucial to make health and happiness a priority while developing your business. If you work 24/7 you will burn out. You need to schedule time for you in the same way you do for your clients. You can’t give 110% because you won’t have it to give. Don’t check email first thing in the morning. Ease in to your day. Try to space out your Zoom meetings and calls. Have a cut-off time to end your work time. Step Five: Celebrate. You need to celebrate you! Celebrate life. Celebrate the little things as well as the big things. You don’t have to celebrate elaborately. Treat yourself to an experience such as going to the beach or the park, going to an outdoor concert (where you can social distance), watching a beautiful sunset, ordering take out from your favorite restaurant and eating outside under the stars, etc. Or simply treat yourself to flowers or a new book (and allowing yourself time to read it). Innergize! Take this day to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Focus on your personal well-being. Do things you enjoy that make you feel good about yourself. Let go of stress and worry. Breathe. Choose you! |
