Taking care of yourself is a full-time job

Self-care can be time-consuming as you realize the many aspects of your life that should be addressed every day. Maintaining balance and harmony on a continuous basis requires taking care of mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, financial, sexual, professional, familial, personal, and romantic needs and obligations. However, making self-care a priority is the first step in living a conscious and insightful life that totally supports you.

According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, basic physiological needs should be addressed first, followed by safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Incorporating these broad areas into small tasks each day takes a conscious effort. Here's an example of what's often suggested to take care of yourself daily:

* Wake up 15 minutes early to reflect, mediate, and say morning affirmations

* Practice good hygiene by showering, brushing teeth, and keeping hair healthy

* Dress for success in a way that helps you feel confident

* Prepare and eat nutritious breakfast

* Keep house clean and clutter-free, take care of bills as they come, file paperwork that's finished

* Do housework to maintain home environment (laundry, dishes, beds, dusting, bathrooms)

* Fix healthy lunch

* Run important errands (bank, post office, groceries)

* Work in a professional capacity at least 8 hours in a career that's fulfilling and satisfies material needs

* Use lunch hour and breaks to eat healthy snacks and meals 

* Spend time in nature

* Finish errands and head home through traffic

* Maintain a sense of peace and well-being before, during, and after a busy day

* Review mail, prepare dinner, clean up after dinner

* Bond with children

* Spend intimate time with partner

* Exercise at least 30 minutes

* Do nightly routine of shower and dental care (brush, floss, and rinse)

* Spend "you" time (reading, writing, knitting, praying etc.)

* Keep your own thoughts, feelings, and actions consciously congruent with love, abundance, joy, health, and peace

* Find time to relax your mind, body, and soul and nurture your inner child

* Get 8 hours of sleep

The above actions are only samples of what it takes to live daily in a spiritual, holistic manner while taking care of yourself and your various needs. In order to be of assistance and service to others in a healthy, functional capacity without feeling resentment, guilt, or exhaustion, it is vital to think, feel, and act in ways that promote yourself in a positive, healthful way. As Michael Angier states, "Our society doesn't give much recognition for being self-indulgent, but being there for others requires that we take excellent care of ourselves....I'm also convinced that people respect us more for valuing ourselves."

Bestselling author Cheryl Richardson has created the book, The Art of Extreme Self-Care: Transform Your Life One Month at a Time as a reminder to practice self-care as a standard of living regardless of what society may deem as selfish. With chapters such as "The Absolute No List" and "Does That Anger Taste Good?" Richardson aims to teach others about ending self-betrayal habits that violate self-care efforts.

A high-quality life starts with a high-quality you! ~ Cheryl Richardson

For more information, please visit "12 Suggestions for Taking Care of Yourself" and "Taking Care of Yourself."

Affirmations: It is OK for me to take care of myself first. Taking care of my own needs allows me to be of better service to others. I purposefully and consciously create my day with the intention of honoring my innermost needs. I feel good when all of my needs are met. I can take care of my loved ones in a much better capacity when I am living harmoniously and happily.

Photo: Morguefile/jdurham