Who is Taking Care of You? 12 Simple Steps to Live with Passion & Thrive

Taking Care of You!

I love this creative collage on taking care of you.  As I sat down to write this article I began to peruse pictures online.  I found one I liked a lot with a lady doing a yoga pose on a beach.  Then I realized I hadn't had lunch or practiced my favorite morning yoga routine. Oops!   So I went downstairs and prepared myself some fresh, nutritious and delicious, real food, ate it, did yoga, and now I am back at the keyboard writing. 

How easy is it to allow life to get in the way of taking care of ourselves?  I find it very easy.  We must make self-care simple and it is extremely helpful to create routines for wellness that are built into our ordinary days.  Adding anything above and beyond like spa days, vacations, or retreats is fantastic, but is only icing on the cake!  Don't wait for the occasional vacation to enjoy life and thrive while barely getting by during the time in between.  Most of us only spend 2-6 weeks on vacation so do not deprive yourself of living fully and taking good care of yourself during the other 46-50 weeks each year.  It is possible to live an ordinary life with passion and to thrive every day.

12 Simple Steps to Live with Passion & Thrive:

1.  Drink plenty of water.
2.  Eat nutritious, unprocessed foods.
3.  Get enough restorative sleep.
4.  Embrace your sexuality.  Adults, enjoy (safe) sex every day.
5.  Do work that you love, and that is meaningful.
6.  Create a nurturing physical environment at home and at work.
     Identify places that restore your spirit and energize you, and spend time there.
7.  Cultivate spirituality.  Tell God thank you every day.  Meditate.  Pray.  Journal gratitude.
8.  Nurture your relationships, including with yourself!  Communicate.  Set healthy boundaries.
     Say affirmations. 
9.  Play!  Have fun, laugh, and be creative.  Be spontaneous sometimes.
10.  Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, ideally outside. (See #11)
11.  Expose yourself to sunshine for at least 15 minutes daily, preferably and hour.  Wear sunscreen.
12.  Keep learning and remain open-minded.

Be well and thrive by engaging in each of these activities every day!