Many of us are constantly on the go. We are working, taking care of others or running errands. When was the last time you took a time out to nurture yourself and recharge your batteries? Some people even feel guilty taking time for themselves as they feel it is selfish. However, if you don’t take care of yourself, no one will, and it is only a matter of time before you burn out. The idea for this blog comes from @positivelypresent.

There are many things you can do to nurture yourself. Most of these things are very simple to do.

How to recharge your batteries

Phone a friend

Feeling connected to others is important to our mental health. It is an antidote to depression. Knowing that you are not alone is comforting. Depending on your needs, you may want to call that friend who makes you laugh, or one that is a good listener. There are probably others that you can talk to for hours. Even a quick call is good for you.

Let someone know they are loved

Letting someone know that you love him or her will make him or her feel good. In addition, they may tell you that they love your too. This is something else that will help fill your emotional bank account and it will help recharge your batteries.

Journal to recharge your batteries

Writing down your feelings will help you process things, whether they are good or bad. This will give you more energy, whether it helps you get something off your chest, or to feel good about something that is going well.

Practice gratitude

This is a great activity. Write down 3 things you are grateful for. These can be big or small. Did someone hold the door open for you, say hello, or let you cut in traffic? Maybe you are grateful that your air-conditioning works, that you have a good relationship with someone or you are healthy.

Take a moment to really feel the feelings of gratitude. How does it feel? Where do you feel it in your body?

You may want to keep a gratitude journal, or write it down on a bright sticky note. Then place all the notes in one area to make a gratitude wall. When you are feeling down, go over to the wall and it may help shift your mood.

Eat healthy

Most of us feel good when we are eating something healthy. It certainly doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t enjoy junk food or dessert. However, if we eat too much junk, we won’t feel well.

I’m a big believer in the 80-20 rule. Eat healthy at least 80% of the time, and enjoy the other 20%.

Let go of the past to recharge your batteries

Holding on to the past will do you no good. If there is nothing you can do about it, it will only eat at you. It will drain you of emotional energy. Preventing this will give you more energy to put elsewhere. Just let it go.

Take the day off

When is the last time you allowed yourself a free day. That’s right. Don’t make any plans. Stay at home in your pajamas, or go out and play.

Introverts need to be alone to recharge their batteries and extraverts need to be with others. So honor your needs, whatever they are.

Spend time in nature

Most of us have some place in nature that is our special place. It may be the beach, the forest or in a garden. Being in nature will get our minds off of whatever is bothering us. Be in the moment, notice the smells, sights and sounds. This is a very simple way to recharge your batteries.

Look at art to recharge your batteries

Looking at the beauty of art is something that may nurture you. There is no wrong or right with art. Enjoy whatever type it is that you prefer.

Challenge your negative thoughts

Negative thinking is another thing that drains your emotional energy. Are you thinking negatively about yourself or someone else?

A way to challenge this type of feeling is to think of what you would say to someone you love in the same situation. Then say those same words to yourself. My guess is that you will be much kinder and more compassionate.

Have a hot cup of tea, decaf coffee or cocoa

There is something very relaxing about sitting down and enjoying a warm beverage. It is soothing and can help you recharge your batteries.

Slow the pace of your day down

Do you tend to walk at 90 miles an hour? If so, how about walking a little slower? What is the big hurry? You can literally or figuratively slow down your pace. Either will work.

Perhaps you can schedule less in your day, so you aren’t overwhelmed with all you have to do. Remember, whether it is at work or home, there is always something that you can be doing. So let go and relax.

Don’t over commit

Are you a people pleaser? If so, it is much harder to say no. Then what happens? You have too much on your plate and you end up resenting yourself or the person who asked you to do something.

It is OK to say no whenever you want or need. Even if you have time to help and don’t want to, you can still say no. Let the other person know you have another commitment. The commitment may be reading a book on your couch, but they don’t need to know that. This is about self-care, and not over committing.

Remember, whatever is bothering you will pass

Do you remember what you were worrying about last week? My guess is you don’t. Most of the things that people worry about never happen. All worrying does is rob you of the present. Whatever is going on will pass, no matter how bad it may feel in the moment.

Say something nice about yourself

When is the last time you complimented yourself? This isn’t about being vain and bragging. This is saying something kind about the way you look, something you did, or something wonderful about your personality. We all have good qualities.

Listen to upbeat music to recharge your batteries

I don’t know about you, but most of us will just naturally start moving, swaying or dancing when we hear an upbeat song. Moving around is good for your physical and mental health.

Recognize what you are doing well

Many people beat themselves up and think of the things they did wrong. Why not do the opposite? Give yourself some positive feedback and remind yourself the things you do well. We all like positive feedback. Who says it has to be from someone else?

Give yourself a pep talk

Why not act as your own cheerleader? My guess is that you do it for others. Remind yourself that you can do it. Or tell yourself that everything will be OK. If you don’t know how do this, just think about what you would say to someone you cared about. Now use those same words for yourself.

If you feel burn out and need to work on your self-care, therapy can help. Give me a call at 713-304-6554 and we will help you recharge your batteries.

Take care,

Debbie

.