Do you find yourself saying “yes” even when your plate is already overflowing? The notion that it is selfish to prioritize our own needs has been deeply ingrained in us by society. We sign ourselves up for any and everything that comes our way – even if we don’t want to. This can lead us to burnout, which impacts our personal lives AND our businesses.
At RCVA, we’ve decided to take an alternate route. We firmly believe in the transformative power of self-care. Today, we would like to draw your attention to the concept known as self-full. Read along to start your journey towards living a self-full life and discover the profound impact it can have on your well-being.
- Self-full starts with self-care. This may sound simple, but it’s easier said than done. Nurturing and replenishing ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally requires commitment and consistency. While it does take effort, the payoff is worth it.
- Set clear boundaries. A vital step to becoming self-full. It’s important to implement boundaries in both your personal and professional life to ensure you have time and energy for self-care. Communicate these boundaries to others and seek their support in respecting them.
- Recognizing your needs. In order to give the best of ourselves, we have to fill our own cup first. Doing so will enhance our ability to avoid burnout. By practicing self-compassion and self-awareness, we empower ourselves to stick to the boundaries we have set and make time for our own well-being.
- Being self-full is not selfish. We often experience guilt and shame when we put ourselves first. It’s important to reframe that perspective. Self-care is a necessary aspect of maintaining a healthy balance in our lives. Cultivate a support network of people who understand and respect your boundaries.
Taking Action: How to Become More Self-Full
Becoming self-full looks different for everyone. We all have a variety of needs that change day-to-day. There will be days when you want to meet up with friends – and there will be days when you want to binge-watch tv in bed. The important takeaway: always make time for what you need at that moment – whatever that is. It’s going to be beneficial.
Below are some ideas that work for us:
- Go for a hike
- Leave your phone in another room
- Do nothing over the weekend
- Take a trip with someone you love
- Do your favorite form of exercise
You might be asking yourself: Am I selfish?
No! It is so ingrained in our society that taking time for ourselves, and just ourselves, is selfish, but self-care is not a luxury – it’s a necessity in becoming the best business owner you can be. By prioritizing our own well-being, we become more resilient, compassionate, and effective in all of the roles we play. Take some time to reflect on your current self-care practices. Identify specific actions you can take to prioritize your well-being. We hope we have inspired you to embark on your own journey of becoming self-full through self-care – You deserve it!
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Read more about moving from self-less to self-full.