Many women give all their care, love and attention to other people, their partners, children, family or friends. They are so wrapped up in caring for others that they forget to look after themselves. They sacrifice their dreams, they eat poorly, don’t get adequate sleep and become overly self-critical. A great way to counteract this is to act like your own parent and treat yourself as you would your own child.
- You would find time each day to praise your child, so do it for yourself! Remind yourself of your many achievements – no matter how small – throughout the day and praise yourself with a “good job!”
- You regulate the food and drink of your child, so do this for yourself. Ensure that your diet is filled with lots of fruit and vegetables and you drink lots of water. Sweets and biscuits may give you a short term boost, but in the long term a healthy diet raises your mood in addition to your well-being.
- Keep yourself healthy and fit. Set aside time for exercise and do this without guilt. You can’t care for others if you neglect your own well-being.
- Pamper yourself. Regularly reward yourself. It does not have to be anything too expensive – a massage, some bath oils – but it does show that you value yourself and if you don’t value yourself no-one else will.
- Stand up for yourself. If you don’t like the way you are treated or spoken to, then express your feelings. Stand up for yourself as you’d stand up for your child. Don’t let others dictate your self-esteem.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself. We all make mistakes – even that seemingly “perfect” friend of yours! From time to time everyone will say the wrong thing, miss the gym session, indulge in a chocolate fest! It happens! Don’t beat yourself up and show the same forgiveness and compassion that you would to your own child.
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