(ThySistas.com) When was the last time you took an extra 5 minutes out of your busy day and took care of yourself? Often times, we are so busy taking care of others that we forget about ourselves or we feel a little selfish when we do things for ourselves. How much greater would your day be if you started it off with giving yourself a quick facial, or in the middle of a taxi ride to your next meeting, give yourself a foot or hand massage? If allowed, light a candle in your office or cubicle (or wait til you get home) or write your thoughts down in a journal for 5 minutes. Just take at minimum of 5 minutes out of your day and do something for yourself.
Self-care reminds me of an airplane analogy I often use. If you’ve ever flown on an airplane before, the stewardess will go over the 
safety guidelines as the plane prepares for take-off. At some point, the stewardess will give instructions for if the plane cabin looses oxygen, the oxygen masks located above your head will be released and you are to put on YOUR oxygen mask first, and then assist the person/child seated next to you, if needed. In a state of panic as I’m sure we would be if we are flying the friendly skies, and then we loose oxygen, our human nature, will want to help someone else, first of course and then be seen as a “shero”. But how can you be of help to anyone if you lost your oxygen first? You can’t! You are the first priority. Once your oxygen mask is secured, then you’ll be in a position to help others.
1. Listen to instrumental music2. Talk a walk outside of your office building or home environments3. Give yourself a neck or back massage4. Google breathing exercises you can do5. Create a space free of clutter! (Your mind will appreciate you)
The next time you are creating your “To-Do List” in your weekly planner, also include in your schedule for the week or set an alarm on your phone, to do something for yourself for 5 minutes. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive and over time, you can always increase the length of time and/or frequency. I found that turning off my phone, for 5 minutes, finding a quiet place and meditating, is something I can do daily. We live in a fast paced world, where it is critical for you to center your thoughts and quiet your spirit so that you can be one with the universe and the Creator. Self-care is something so simple to do, but yet we find it one of the hardest to make time for, in our busy lives.
In order for you to create a habit of self-care, you must first change your mindset of how you see yourself. Create and speak daily affirmations or bible verses to yourself that will remind you of just how important you are. Some women especially, get lost in being the best mother, wife, employee, boss, etc., to everyone else and forget to be the best person to themselves daily. I guarantee, once you put yourself first, and take some time out of your day, just for you, you will live a more peaceful and abundant life and not be overwhelmed and stressed out all of the time. Before today ends, take care of yourself!
Staff Writer; Felicia T. Simpson
One may also connect with this sister online over at; FTSimpson.com.