It’s Not Selfish – It’s Self-Care
Six Ways to Give Yourself a Break
By America’s Six Figure Real Estate Coach Roberta Ross
So many of us live in a 24/7, phones-at-our-fingertips, high-demand world MOST of the time. For some of us that may move closer to the ALL the time mark. Still there are others – those amazing others – who have figured it out, either by accident, intervention, or absolute choice that it’s impossible to be all things to all people all the time. The few have figured it out and have let go of trying. Aside from business people, we are human beings. And as such, we have to honor the fact that it’s all right to step out of the rat race, hopefully at LEAST once a day to take care of ourselves, our minds, hearts, spirit, bodies and our beings. That’s not selfish – it’s essential self-care.
When we don’t our stress levels rise and, over time, progressively rise higher. And so it goes. Our health, focus, and home life is affected. Our relationships get strained, productivity wanes and our resilience seeps away. But when we DO? When we take time out to honor ourselves, find a center, create a little balance, spring forth a little joy – whether that be once a day or a hundred times a day, all of those things that would have otherwise gone south – spring to new life. Our energy is fueled, burnout takes a backseat, and we lead more rewarding lives.
Let’s take a look at six ways you can give yourself a break and STILL be a rock star agent! I know, you’re busy. It’s worth it though. I promise.
- Commit to the time. Even if it’s 15 minutes per day, make it unabashedly, unapologetically yours. If you have to, take a look at everything that you’ve had on your plate for the last two weeks. Highlight everything that was ‘busy work’, fluff, can be delegated, or deleted. How much time does that add up to? Then rearrange your calendar for the next two weeks and claim that time right back for you. Don’t try to figure out the next year, just work on the next two weeks. The difference in how you feel and perform just might make all the difference.
- Turn things OFF. I’m as connected as the next person, but there really isn’t much earth shattering that will happen in your 15-20 minute sabbatical from the whirlwind that can’t be cared for upon your ‘return’ to the race. Turn off the phone, walk away from the desk, and unplug a little. It’s good for you brain – and your spirit. If you must – put someone else in charge of ‘emergency’ detail for that time and spend it stress free.
- Set off on the right foot. Start the day a little earlier than normal. Spend that first half hour or hour of your day in affirmation, gratitude, exercise, meditation – or a combo of all of those things. You’ll find your days more focused, with a whole lot more pep and a lot less stress.
- Say “No”. Oh boy, this is a tough one for a lot of folks. As salespeople, many tend to be ‘people-pleasers’ – and saying no is not exactly in the repertoire. It’s important though. If you are asked to do something that doesn’t resonate with you, bring you joy, bring you closer to your goals, or you just plain don’t want to do – then don’t do it. Say no. Spend that time more productively or peacefully and remember that we all only have 24 hours a day, and yours are just as valuable as everyone else’s. You get to choose how they are spent.
- Ask for help. It’s all right to need help – we all do every now and then. Delegate where you can and ask for help from your kids, your partner, your spouse. Get a babysitter. Hire someone to do paperwork. Give yourself the perspective that you are JUST one person and that often times the highest, best use of your time is spent on you and that’s it’s really all right to let go of the reins a little and let someone else take up some slack.
Bottom line? You’re worth it. Your health is worth it. Your mind, body, and spirit are worth it. And when you take the time to take care of yourself you inspire other people to give themselves permission to do the same. That’s a win-win-win for everyone. Have a great week!
