Can you relate to having thought that self-focus is just self-indulgence in trendy-speak?
If, like me, you’ve been unsure on this one, it’s worth checking out the reference 1 below. it turns out it’s actually a way to ultimately be able to increase your capacity to contribute and give back.
For the bottom line, just think aeroplane analogy – if the plane’s going down or there’s some kind of a problem with air pressure, it’s likely we’ll need to put our oxygen mask on. And it’s a given that we need to put ours on first, before we can help someone else.
That’s it in a nutshell.
There’s some interesting research relating to the impact of quality self-focus (definitely worth a read! 1).
Once we’re clear about the reasons we’d bother – just how do we pull off focusing on our own needs?
Here are my top 3 ways. My challenge to you is to trial these for yourself.
The first one is setting clear boundaries.
This translates as being ok to say no. For me, this was almost impossible to say to some people. I felt compelled and internally obligated. It was an inside job for me because no one was forcing me to comply or obey, it’s simply that I felt awkward not helping out.
These days it’s more about giving myself space to figure out if it’s do-able with my available time and resources, and even once I’ve decided yes or no – I’m more willing to allow myself to change my mind if needs-be.
The second one is scheduling time in for me.
Literally.
One immovable me-appointment is my time in nature each morning, which often ends up being a walking meditation. Chris put it really well the other day when he shared with a friend that we love working out in the gym together, however I need to have gone and taken a walk or a bike ride first on my own, and then we get along great!
I’ve learned that I really need that space for myself which leads me to our
third thing, namely to do something for you.
Perhaps like me you love taking a walk, having a swim, dancing, singing or playing or listening to some music, reading a book, or lying on a shakti mat.
Even packing for a trip (as I am currently!) can be enjoyable when I leave myself enough time so I avoid needing to rush.
How about you – what’s your take on you-time…is it a doddle or can you relate to what I’ve shared?
Looking forward to seeing you on this week’s #ALivewithFi,
Til then have a goody – ciao for now 🙂
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O., I.N.H.C., is The LifeStyle Aligner. She’s an experienced practitioner since 1992 in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified Osteopath, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, speaker, educator, writer, certified raw vegan gluten-free chef, and Health Brand Ambassador.
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1 Worth a read for some handy tips –