The past few weeks I’ve been writing and thinking about reasons and ways to enlist help from others. A few days ago, I was asked a question by business coach, Dr. Shannon Reece, which made me think about this from another perspective. For her upcoming blog, she asked entrepreneurs, “What is your single best personal and creative example of ‘ME time’ that you use regularly, which allows you to completely step away from your business and recharge?”
While it’s important to understand and identify when we should and need to ask for help, it’s just as essential to know how to be our own source of help. Here are some ideas to consider:
7 Ways to Help Self
1. Re-Sync. There are times when we feel like we’ve gotten off track. Our electronic devices might be in sync, but we aren’t. We may feel sad, agitated or anxious. How do you bring yourself back to center? Perhaps watching a comedy, writing in your journal, cooking a new recipe or riding your bike will work. Some like to keep a “Feel Good” file where they add encouraging letters, notes and inspirational quotes they’ve collected. When they need a lift, they pull out the file to shift their perspective.
2. Balance. A funny coincidence was that as I sat down to write this post with my cup of Yogi Tea, the hangtag on the tea bag was this quote, “Work, but don’t’ forget to live.” This is a great reminder that while each of us has our “work,” it’s important to develop other parts of our self for a better life balance.
3. Organize. Creating perfect order is not necessarily what organizing is about. Organizing means creating just enough organization to support your daily needs. Small changes can make a big difference. It might mean organizing your make-up drawer, folding and putting away the clean laundry, reviewing and prioritizing your “to do” list the night before or unloading the dishwasher. Reigning in some of that daily chaos and stress can have positive affects.
4. Review the Basics. This may seem obvious, but simple things like drinking enough water, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising and getting enough sleep are important ways to take care of you. It’s essential to listen to your body. Getting the basics in balance is key. We all have challenges. Exercising regularly is one of mine, which I continue working on.
5. Declutter. Letting go can be difficult, but releasing clutter can be helpful. The clutter might be physical such as overflowing clothes closets, piles of magazines and catalogs or cabinets full of rarely used kitchen gadgets and appliances. The clutter could also appear in over scheduled calendars or too many thoughts running around our heads. Focus on simplifying your spaces, time and minds by allowing the unessential to be released. This is one of the most significant ways you can help yourself.
6. Reframe. There is a standard term used in the coaching industry, NCRW, which means Naturally Creative Resourceful and Whole. This concept encourages coaches to view their clients in this positive, proactive way. While the coach is there to help guide and ask questions, it’s the client and not the coach that is capable of discovering all the answers. Adopting this perspective shifts us away from trying to “fix” someone. If we start thinking about ourselves in this way, we become empowered to find our own solutions.
7. Rejuvenate. Going back to the where I began, let’s take another look at Dr. Shannon Reece’s idea of “ME time.” None of us have an unlimited supply of energy. We have to restore it or we’ll have nothing left for our family, friends, business, activities or self. There are many ways to help refresh. Maybe sleeping late, spending all day in your pajamas, walking in the woods, sitting by the river, enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee or tea helps you to get your energy back. Finding ways to restore your reserves is the best type of help you can give your self.
Please join in the conversation. Do any of these ideas resonate with you? What are your best ways to help yourself? I’d love to hear from you.
