​Self: Priority #1- guest post

Here's an article that reminds us what we all know-- that putting our self-care first is the most important thing we can do. There's some helpful suggestions and links for more info to get you inspired.  Check it out! -Lauren 

 Self: Priority #1- by personal trainer Sheila Olson

We get it, you are a busy, working adult. With everything you have on your plate, self-care doesn’t sit high on the priorities list. But taking care of yourself is the best thing you can do to ensure you have the energy and drive to carry out each of your daily responsibilities.
 
Finding balance in an unbalanced world
 
It’s easy to look at your schedule and see that it leans heavily toward taking care of others. But you’ve no doubt noticed that sometimes when the clock strikes five, you’re ready to slink onto the sofa and slap a box of pizza down on the table for dinner. Fatigue is a side effect of an unbalanced lifestyle. In order to circumvent access exhaustion, you have to learn how to fit self-care into your day so you’ll have the energy to keep going strong until bedtime. The quickest and easiest way to start the process is by finding a spot in your home you can use to meditate. This room should have a view of the outside world and be far enough away from your main living space that you can clear your head in peace at the beginning and end of each day.
 
Part of finding balance in your world is creating a comfortable home environment. If your house is cluttered, you’ll feel stressed out. If it’s dark, there’s no incentive to keep things neat and tidy. If your home is too cold, all you want to do is sit on the couch under the covers; too hot and you’ll seek refuge elsewhere. Consider implementing some of the principles of feng shui, an ancient Chinese method of restoring balance and creating a natural flow in your living area and life.
 
Fitting in fitness
 
Having a comfortable home is only part of caring for yourself. Self-care also includes maintaining a physical fitness routine to keep your mind and body strong. You can combine fitness with socialization by finding a workout partner. Fitness recommends speaking with your personal trainer, reaching out to friends and family, or starting a workout group with your coworkers. You can also make TV time exercise time. Consider investing in a few small pieces of equipment, such as a weighted hula hoop or recumbent bike, that you can use while you catch up on your favorite Netflix shows. And if you happen to be an Amazon Prime member, NBC News explains you can access free online workouts right from your TV, phone, or computer so you can take your workout with you wherever you go.
 
Calm from morning until night
 
Another important aspect of self-care is finding ways to deal with stress without raising your blood pressure. Much of how you deal with stress is in how you treat your body and mind. Hobbies, such as coloring, knitting, and sewing, can help you settle your mind while getting a good night’s sleep can help you be more emotionally prepared for everyday stress. You can invite restful sleep into your life by making sure your bedroom is dark, cool, and comfortable each night. Invest in a high-quality pillow that you can settle into. Forbes offers tips on how to pick the perfect pillow and explains that choosing the wrong one can keep you up tossing and turning the entire night. Each morning, give your muscles a good stretch before hopping out of bed. This will get your blood flowing and put you in a positive mood so you don’t have to greet the day as a sleep-deprived grouch.
 
Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s taking care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep, and making sure you have a comfortable environment to call home. Learning how to balance these things with your busy life will help you enjoy more moments and better get through the ones you don’t.

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- Sheila Olson has been a personal trainer for five years. She believes the best way to achieve physical fitness and good health is to set and tackle small goals. She encourages her clients to stay positive and incorporates mindfulness and practices for reducing negative talk into her sessions. She created FitSheila.com to spread the word about her fitness philosophy.