Note to Self: Remember to try one of these self-care practices
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Let’s face it. Most of us are overachievers. We wear multiple hats: parent, partner, employee, co-worker, friend, brother, sister… the list goes on. Each hat carries with it a responsibility or sense of obligation. Our days are filled with the important tasks that come with each of those hats. We shuttle children to school, pets to the vet, parents to doctors. We work and run errands necessary to keep our families and homes happy and healthy. But how often do we schedule in time for ourselves?
The consequences of not practicing self-care can be severe and serious. Pushing yourself to the max without taking time to release stress and replenish yourself is a recipe for problems. Stress, anxious or frustrated feelings, and unresolved emotions don’t go away just because we’ve pushed them from our conscious minds. They find other ways to escape, often manifesting in sleep issues, depression or anxiety, and can even breakdown your immune system. Add that poor diet you’ve likely adopted during all of this, and you’ve got the ingredients for a burnout cocktail.
Just as your vehicle needs occasional maintenance to keep operating safely for you, so too do your body, mind and spirit. Consider this: If you burn out or get sick, who will be there for your loved ones and assume all those responsibilities?
So, what can you do?
Start small.
Getting a massage or going for a long walk are wonderful things to do to take care of yourself, but sometimes schedules won’t permit so much time. Don’t let that stop you. Self-care can be as simple as tiny, self-oriented habits every day. In fact, during especially busy times, you might find it easier to sprinkle multiple smaller rituals throughout your day rather than schedule bigger blocks of time. The key is consistency.
Below are a few suggestions to get you started.
We’d love to know
what unique self-care rituals you’ve created for yourself.
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“There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself.”
~Brian Andreas
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• Got 5 minutes? Try a quick, 5 minute guided meditation. [Pro Tip: Search YouTube for ‘quick meditation’, or download a free meditation app- many offer meditations of various lengths.]
• Eat mindfully. Pay attention to what you are eating and really enjoy it. Of course, it would be best if it’s something healthy, but even if it’s a tiny treat for yourself, (like a wonderful piece of high-quality chocolate) slow down and enjoy it.
• Feeling like you have ZERO wiggle room in your schedule? Focus on your breathing. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing has amazing calming effects. The best part? You can do this anywhere, anytime, no extra time needed. [Pro Tip: Try focusing on a four-count for your breathing. Inhale- 2, 3, 4. Hold- 2, 3, 4. Exhale- 2, 3, 4.]
As your schedule permits, try incorporating longer self-care rituals. Perhaps that hour long massage, a luxurious bubble bath, or a painting class become more feasible. Plan them when you can and make the time non-negotiable like you do for your child’s annual wellness exam
Self-care does not have to be one more thing you
have
to do. It can be easy and enjoyable. Something you
want
to do; something you
“get”
to do. It can help you keep your health (or regain it if you’ve lost it). It can help you find your joy in life. So take a few minutes to take care of you. You’ll be glad you did.
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Parents & Pets
Meet Olivia Mae!
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Olivia is Partner Attorney Angela Lennon’s daughter. Olivia just turned 1 year old! The firm has loved welcoming Olivia into our firm family. The firm threw a baby shower for Angela when she was pregnant and now we’re celebrating her first birthday! This year, Olivia had a cake smash photo shoot and a small “pumpkin” theme party for family and friends.
Happy 1 year Olivia!
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Finding Friends: Kindred Spirits & F Yesses
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I was nervous. I carefully considered my outfit and my hair. I was being set up by a friend who cautioned me in her initial message that she did not make these introductions regularly or lightly. I respect her a great deal, so this added to my nerves. It was a blind date, but not the normal, romantic kind. I was being introduced to a potential friend. A potential new girlfriend. The stakes felt high.
We met at the new coffee shop across the street from my building. She wore a pretty patterned dress and when I saw her through the window I instantly liked her. We launched into our introduction with ease. Within five minutes we knew we were fellow writers who had inclinations toward cuss words. We were kindred spirits and not afraid to feel it. I was relieved, happy, and content – the way being with a good friend makes you feel.
Keep Reading
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Coach's Corner
with Susan Ann Koenig
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What progress on your path can you celebrate?
When I focus on what I haven’t done, I feel like a failure. When I focus on what I have accomplished, I feel like a success. When I focus on what I don’t have, I experience lack. When I focus on what I do have, I experience abundance
.
Read More
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For over 35 years, the Koenig|Dunne team has been helping people pick up the pieces of their life to make a new start. Bringing a family business back from the brink of financial ruin. Sheltering a child from the conflict of a custody battle. We do this work because its work we know matters.
Whether an amicable collaboration or lengthy litigation lies ahead, we’re the team who will empower you on your path to a better future, from start to finish. That’s a promise.
We promise you – we will see you, hear you, and stand by you.
Learn More
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Guidance when you want it. Strength because you need it.
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