When was the last time you took a day just for yourself? If you're a small business owner or anyone else for that matter, you answer is probably never. I first learned the principal; of Extraordinary Self-care Day at a workshop given by my friend Terri Levine the author of Work Yourself Happy. Essentially an Extraordinary Self-care Day is taking one 24-hour period where you take care of yourself. You do no work at all. I know, I can hear your protest. I protested too when I first heard this idea "But you don't understand, I have to check my voicemail, I have to return phone calls, I have to answer my emails and on and on." I protested in my very best entrepreneurial voice. The truth is any of us can take a day for ourselves without consequence. Believe it or not, the world will keep spinning. Calls will wait as will email.
This is a day just for you. If you normally do the cooking on your Extraordinary Self-Care Day, you will refrain from making meals. Trust me your family will not starve. Obviously if there are small children or infants that depend on you, you would have to modify this. Overall try to do nothing that is related to your normal work. This is a pampering day just for you.
The first time I did this, I discovered just how my work relates to things that I do on any given day. Most of my reading was centered on business topics. Being an entrepreneur and self-employed, I was convinced I had to be working all the time. I was wrong. Kicking and screaming, I embarked on my Extraordinary Self-Care Day. I took a walk, read part of a novel, took a luxurious bath in our soaking tub (something I never used to do) and just hung out and took care of myself. What a concept!
It's been a year now and my Extraordinary Self-Care Day has become an integral part of my life. I not only feel better, and am having more fun, I have my life back. Doing this regularly has enabled me to put my work back into perspective. I no longer work seven days a week and I no longer do email throughout the day.
The interesting thing is that because of my taking this time to nurture myself, I'm actually more productive. Because I'm taking better care of myself I have more clarity and I'm able to better focus on the task on hand. Because I am taking better care of myself, I am more creative and productive. Most of all, because I am taking better care of myself, I feel better and have more happiness, after all isn't that what it's all about?
So your assignment, if you choose to accept it, is to schedule one 24-hour period, sometime within the next 10 days, when you can give yourself an Extraordinary Self-Care Day and then go and do it. Once you've done this, see how you might be able to do this weekly and when you feel really ready, schedule an Extraordinary Self-Care Day for what would have been a normal work day.
? 2004 Jim Donovan - PO Box 1147, Buckingham, PA 18912 - (215) 794-3826
Jim Donovan is the author of "Handbook to a Happier Life, a motivational speaker and coach. For a no cost bonus product & more, visit http://www.jimdonovan.com
If you had all the information and tools you needed to live your dream life, would you use them? Yes? Click here ==> http://www.jimdonovan.com
shuttle to Midway Beardstown .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareThe right amount of stress can be good for you,... Read More
What is Stress?Stress may be defined as the three-way relationship... Read More
We are not designed for long term stress.It causes us... Read More
The World Health Organization calls stress "the health epidemic of... Read More
?And holding it way down inside you like an old... Read More
We've all been there, right? We find ourselves living with... Read More
Did you know that taking a short trip, such as... Read More
1. The Law of StagnationThis is also known as first... Read More
To combat modern day stressors, you need to realize that... Read More
One of the best ways to combat stress and depression... Read More
The Mask of "I've Got It All Together"It's so easy... Read More
Imagine going through your whole life in the constant fear... Read More
We so often take the feelings of happiness and saddness... Read More
Stress and anxiety can prematurely age our mind and body.... Read More
"Smash!" It was a sunny autumn Saturday. My cousins and... Read More
It was a self-exploration that made me understand myself. It... Read More
Stress is often seen as being unhealthy, but for some... Read More
One of the dumbest things I have ever done is... Read More
No need to go spend money at a spa! There... Read More
Recently I completed some new workshop engagements in addition to... Read More
If you have never tried combining your breathing exercises with... Read More
A little stress is good for us until it becomes... Read More
A friend has this quotation on his office wall: "I... Read More
"Learn how to turn frustration into fascination. You will learn... Read More
All people experience stress and anxiety in one form or... Read More
Green Bay Hummer H2 SUV rentals ..Feeling stressed? Who isn't!! In today's society, feeling "stressed out,"... Read More
1. Acknowledge that requesting support, guidance and partnership is not... Read More
Statistics tell us that more people have migraine headaches on... Read More
Work stress has become a major problem today. The nature... Read More
My first real job (schedule, time clock, paycheck, boss) was... Read More
We've all experienced it-computerized technology that doesn't function properly. PCs... Read More
"We do not stop playing because we grow old. We... Read More
When something happens in our lives, we automatically assess the... Read More
Every woman needs her own personal space for relaxation, not... Read More
What do you do when you wake up in the... Read More
The brain uses feel-good transmitters called endorphins when managing daily... Read More
There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good... Read More
In order to understand stress better, it is a good... Read More
Q: What is Stress?A: Very basically it is the physical,... Read More
Burt Reynolds revealed his vulnerable side when he realized he... Read More
Q: "My career, though very very stressful, is one that... Read More
Do you worry all the time?Do the following symptoms bother... Read More
Let's take a look at some of the more serious... Read More
The pace of life seems to quicken every year. More... Read More
This anger management Practice draws on the dual wisdom of... Read More
As tools for change are discussed, one tool - that... Read More
IntroductionTime magazine called stress the "The Epidemic of the Eighties".... Read More
This is the time for daydreaming about your annual vacation.... Read More
Everyone worries. As bothersome as it is, worry isn't all... Read More
It is very true that, unfortunately, many people look to... Read More
Stress Management |