Sandra McMonagle column: How do you look after yourself?

I recently came across the phrase ‘extracurricular self’ in an article on self-care and it triggered me to consider how and in what ways do we look after ourselves amid very busy and active lives. 

For lots of people, self-care might mean going to the gym a few times a week, booking an odd massage, or heading out for a walk. These are all great things, of course but what about the rest of you? -your head, your heart, your energy, your need to connect and belong.

What self-care activities do you engage in to maintain these aspects that comprise so much of who you are too? We’re not just made up of muscles and bones. We’ve also got thoughts, feelings, hopes, and that very human need to feel a part of something. Those parts need looking after as well. 

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Pause and think about these aspects of your life- your food choices, your surroundings, your friendships, your emotions, even your sense of purpose at this, your current stage of life. 

These ‘other’ pieces all add up to make you who you are and how you feel. If you choose to ignore them, think of the impact this has on how you feel, behave and ‘show up’ in your life- at work, with family and all other parts of your personal life. It’s so easy to slip into habits or distractions that keep you from feeling truly safe, supported, valued, and loved. When you don’t give attention and time to the whole of who you are, you lose touch with that deeper, more holistic sense of yourself.

Ask yourself:

• Do you make time for the things you actually enjoy?
• Are you giving yourself space to allow creativity to develop- can you step outside your comfort zone and try new things?
• Do you have personal goals, and do you give priority to achieving your personal goals?
• Are you giving time and attention to the important relationships you have?
• When’s the last time you laughed with friends?

And on the flip side:

• Are you always following the noise that’s around you?
• Are you using food or other comfort measures to hide feelings or fill a gap?
• Do you avoid tricky conversations because you fear conflict will arise?
• Are you giving priority to other peoples’ priorities?
• Are you pushing yourself so hard that sleep, meals, and relationships often get pushed aside?

In short, how’s your self-care looking these days?

If you don’t really have a routine, maybe now’s the time to start. Learn to slow down, breathe, stress less, laugh more.And if you do, take a minute to check where your energy is going. Are there areas of you that might be feeling a bit forgotten, that could use a little extra care and make this our priority?

As a certified life coach, I am here to help any person who feels they need support to focus on themselves especially when life feels a bit too fast or full-on. Reaching out is the first step that you need to make. 

For more information on life-coaching and what I can offer you, then please visit my website or contact directly on 083-3320563.