My How-To to Self-Care: 5 Easy Steps You Can Take Today

BY Amy Leever

One of the biggest excuses I had about not taking care of myself was, “I don’t have time.” On so many occasions I chose my Facebook update or watching some senseless tv show or the my kids were young and needed my attention

I created as much distraction as possible because I didn't want to deal with my issues … there was too much of it! Honestly, I didn't know where to start. I tried so many different things, but my ADD & OCD & self proclaimed 'Perfectionism' kept reminding me I wasn't able to do anything right. Eventually, I would end up on the couch surrendering my sorrows in a bowl of ice cream or a package of Oreos. Or I'd find myself complaining in a Facebook status about how my life sucked. It seemed the more I tried to make myself do something the more excuses I came up with.

My life had spiraled out of control so far that I wanted to just end it. Thoughts of suicide raced through my mind. My epiphany came in a grocery store parking lot, while talking to a friend I hadn't seen in years. Feeling so disgusting, lethargic, sick and embarrassed -- I finally understood what I needed to do:

1. Take some 'me' time every morning. 

I am NOT a morning person. If you know me well, you know not to speak to me until I've had some quiet time & my cup of coffee. BUT, I find it's best to take personal time in the morning. I get up almost an hour before everyone else so I can take time to reflect, breathe, make peace with my day ahead. I read a few versus out of my bible. I say a prayer. I go over my daily 'to do' list & schedule. I scroll through Facebook or read a few emails. Just time to wake up and connect with myself.

2. Fix your attitude. 

Your attitude is a very important aspect of your life. The excuses you make create a negative attitude. Walking around with a chip on your shoulder isn't the right way to create joy in your life. Blaming other people or the economy for your circumstances doesn't create peace and happiness either. Get over your ego! What we feel, we manifest. Therefore, allowing your emotions control your attitude is a definite no-no! Take a deep breath and let it go. Take responsibility for your own choices that lead you to the circumstances you are in. If you want something to change, YOU MUST BE the change. Get rid of the sob story and go after what you want. You are the only thing stopping you.

3. Food matters. 

Taking care of yourself means watching the food you eat. We live in a microwave, drive-thru world that demands we eat on the go. Fast foods, junk food and sugary drinks, eventually add pounds and increase burnout. It really is the truth - when you eat crap, you will feel like crap! Remember, you are what you eat. Do your well-being a favor and select the food you eat with a clear sense of what exactly you're putting in your body. It is not expensive to eat a clean, organic, whole food diet. It's a misconception because people just don't want to take the time to know & understand the difference. 

4. Get rid of the bad apples. 

Sometimes the company we keep become our worst enemies (literally). If a person or a relationship is not positive and nourishing to the soul, get rid of them. Distance yourself from the negative, sulking, whiners in your life. Instead, surround yourself with positive, supportive and energetic people who will lift you up and push you to move forward. There's a little cliche that happens to be true: You are a combination of the 5 people closest to you. Who are you allowing in your circle?

5. Disconnect. 

Email. Cell phones. Social Media. Video Games. Even television are constantly THERE! Give your mind-body-soul a break and develop an 'Unplug Time' of day. For me, having the family & myself unplug by 7pm every night is our rule of thumb. There is absolutely NOTHING so important that you can't unplug for a few hours every night. 

Developing the keys to wellness that work within your lifestyle is easy and cost free. All you need is a little time and determination to be your best self. With persistence I've developed healthy habits that suit my life, you can too.

Insightful Inspiration

No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change.
- Barbara De Angelis

Self-disciplined begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.
- Napoleon Hill

If we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.
- Anthony Robbins

Regrets are the tears of choices not made and of good deeds left undone.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

I read those quotes and thank the good Lord I made the choices I've made in the last 2-3 years. Rock bottom was a nasty place to be and if I hadn't have taken control of my own happiness, only He knows where I'd be.

I truly wish I could express enough how important it is to take a step outside the comfort zone and just take a leap of Faith. I come across so many who want a quick fix. Who can't just say: 'Why the heck not, it's only money!' They let fear hold them back from experiencing something that would change their life immensely.

I understand, I did it too. Until I had nothing left. Until I was so broken and lost, it was either death or do something different. So I leaped into the great unknown - then my Wings of Faith took over. Three years later, I'm slimmer, happier, healthier and the things I've always wanted are falling into place. No it's not easy. No it's not happening over night. It's consistency and self-discipline. It's making tiny, insignificant choices, daily that compound over time into something bigger and more meaningful. It's doing the things that many people won't do. The things that won't hurt if I don't do them, but if I do them, those things will get me one step closer to my goals. I go against the norm. I find ways to step outside the comfort zone. I'm not always perfect. I'm not always sure. But I keep doing them anyway.

I am the master of my own happiness. I am the only one who can control my actions and reactions. I don't say 'I can't' anymore, I say 'I will find a way'. I won't let a lack of money control my choices; it is just money - it comes, it goes. Why let it control you? Find a way around it. Get creative. Think outside the comfort zone. YOU have the power. YOU have the control.

That's my secret. That's how I do it. That's how I lost 50 pounds and have kept it off. That's how I've re-built my life from rock bottom - up. That's how I've become my own boss. That's how I'm creating my own destiny. I have the Will. I have the Faith. I have the Power. I have the Control - One choice, one step, one goal, one day at a time.

Will you take the leap of Faith and join me?

Age-Proof Your Health

Defy the years by eating well. Add health-boosting foods to your daily routine to outrun Father Time.
Your diet can affect how quickly you age. Pile on the processed foods and you increase free-radical activity, which damages cells and accelerates conditions related to aging. Eat lots of fruits and veggies and you lengthen the life of your cells, which means you live longer too!

You can't stop the march of time, and experts used to say you couldn't slow the effects of aging, either. But new research shows that you have more control over wrinkles, forgetfulness and frailty than originally thought. The secret lies in keeping you cells free of stress. To stave off the signs of aging, consider making simple lifestyle changes.

Take charge of your health. Keep moving. Gain flexibility, build muscle and improve balance to prevent memory loss, stay strong and prevent falls.

Research reveals that physical activity can be a boon to the body and brain. The risk of dementia is lower in older people who exercise three or more times per week. Weight-bearing exercises, like walking, also can boost your balance, making you less likely to fall.

Think you, feel young. Your attitude about life can affect whether you die prematurely or live to a ripe old age. Fill your days with laughter, gratitude, friends and forgiveness. Not only will you be around for years, you'll be happier, too!

S.A.D and Anxiety

Unbelievable as it sounds, the Coach has been out of commission the last week or so. I've lost a battle with depression and anxiety. I fought a good fight, but the battle got the best of me.

It all boils down to this: Some times no matter how strong a person is or how hard they fight, the black hole will suck them in. I am a prime example.

Working out and eating right doesn't always help. Personal and family issues have been difficult the last few weeks and they've wore me down. I simply couldn't fight them off any longer. No amount of "faking it" or positive thinking worked. I just couldn't keep fighting, I was tired and beat.

Does that mean I give up? NO! I will never give up. It only means that the battle may have been lost, but the war is far from over. I won't let it keep me down long. I will work through the muck and mire of depression and anxiety. I just need time to sort out my feelings and figure out how to stand back up.

That saying "fall down seven times, get back up eight" applies well in this case. I'm down but I am not out!

I may not seem like myself for a few days. Quiet and withdrawn. I may not participate in my usual groups and business affairs. Too confused and lost to think about that at the moment. I just need some time to adjust and reset my path. My journey is far from over...I'm taking a forced pit stop.