Come Up for Air

Coaching the other day, a theme came across the session. Placing yourself first. It is easy to put your needs aside and focus more on other people, your spouse, partner, children or work expectations. There is an endless supply of 'others' and we often find that at the end of the day we didn't factor in at all!

We do need to come up for air, and recognise what we need, otherwise all you do is give to others without nurturing the most important person YOU! I can truly understand that time is precious and with dependents you need to be there, that is true. What I am advocating from a personal development perspective is to keep a balance. Take time out to re-charge, here are some suggestions I have given my clients over the years:

• Block out Time in your schedule/calendar just for you


• Organise a pamper massage/manicure/pedicure


• Do something each day just for you, could be as simple as ringing a friend, making yourself a cuppa tea, or sitting reading a magazine/book


• Acknowledge your actions and reward yourself with time out, going for a walk, a movie, catch up with a friend


• Write in your journal


• Do your hobby/exercise


• Have a bubble bath


• Get your hair done


• Buy yourself a new book/go to the library and borrow a new read


• Go for a walk around the block on your lunch break, and soak in the fresh air

It is easy to loose yourself in the days' activities, and expectations of others. So by nurturing yourself you nurture your soul and your energy, then you are able to keep on giving. After all you need to replenish your energy as you have demands placed on you every day!