This came from the Vital Affirmation website: http://www.vitalaffirmations.com/self-care.htm I thought it was SO true and wanted to share. You can take what you want and leave the rest. If you browse through the entire site there is a TON of good information. Hope you enjoy!
Self Care

If we are to be effective in the things we set out to do in life and in particular if you are embarking on a process of change, you need to be performing at your very best. To achieve this we must care for ourselves at all levels, ensuring that we receive the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual sutainance that we need and that as we expend our energies we allow ourselves time for renewal. Acts of self-care are acts of self-love and are essential to your wellbeing.

Do not skimp on this process; not only is it essential, it is one of the most enjoyable, worthwhile and fun aspects of life that we need to undertake, so don't miss out on it!

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Maintain Your Balance

Guard Your Boundaries

Your boundaries reflect what is or is not aceptable for you as an individual. They mark out the things that are important to you and how you expect to be treated by others. It is your responsibility to guard these boundaries carefully because they represent your authentic self and your life goals. You must be prepared to say "no" to requests or demands that cross those boundaries and demand treatment from others that is consistent with them.

Ask for Help

Life can be hectic and sometimes it seems that the only way forward is to do everything yourself! Learn to trust others, be open to assistance from others and ask for help. By doing so you demonstrate your trust and respect for that person and you give them an opportunity to demonstrate it back to you. By looking for and asking for help, you can enhance your relationships and reduce your "time stress".

Have Fun

You know, inside each of us is a little child that just wants to play. I often wonder at what point in our journey to adulthood did we forget just how much fun playing is? If you have children... play with them, play with your partner or your friends... Laugh and have fun. True joy lies in these moments at last your inner-child and you get to play again as one. The benefits to your health, your emotions, your whole physical wellbeing are truely enormous! If you find difficulty in achieving this, look for things that you love to do, look at things you've never dared to do and step out... go for it!

Express Yourself

Expressing yourself clearly and honestly is the key to maintaining good relations with others. Be warm, be kind, honest and where necessary firmly maintain your boundaries.

Listen

Always listen and be aware. Listen to your body, listen to your instincts, listen to others. By listening, we become aware and even if at times we don't agree with what we hear, we have an opportunity to prevent misunderstanding or problems before they become less manageable. By listening we have the possibility of learning so much!

Be Kind

Always be kind. Even if you are having to enforce one of your boundaries do so kindly. Once you start operating from a loving place of the heart, this will occur naturally.

Show Your Appreciation

When people help you, or show some kindness; remember to say thank-you. By showing your appreciation, you not only reinforce such kind behaviour, but your kind word will give them joy too! Give genuine compliments and share a smile!

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Maintain Your Mental Health

Time to Relax

Take time to relax and unwind. Find something relaxing to do that you really enjoy and spoil yourself... you're worth it! It does'nt matter what it is, a bubble bath, a massage or just quietly reading a book, give yourself this important time. It is a gift to yourself and reinforces your own sense of self worth. Have fun!

Take Quiet Time

Whenever things are getting on top of you or you are feeling stresses, find somwhere quiet away form all noise and where you feel safe, secure and will not be disturbed. This is your thinking time, time to evaluate and access what's been going on. It is a great time to meditate. Many of the key principles for success I have outlined require that you use this kind of moment to honestly evaluate yourself and events and to get in touch with your authentic self (inner-child). Very few of us take enough quiet time in our lives, often being too busy rushing around without taking the time to really consider where we are going or even if we really want to get there. Take quiet time for yourself.

Journaling

Journaling is where you write down the thoughts, feelings, ideas, eventsand other experiences that may have occurred in the day. Your journal is a safe place for you explore and clarify your life and priorities, enabling you to make choices and to take action based on those choices. It will give you a sense of direction, help you learn from mistakes of the past, and greatly reduce your stress level. More on journaling...

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Look After Your Body!

Eat a good diet

Your diet is essential to your health, far more important in my view than is properly recognised by most societies today. If you want to perform well and to maintain yourself at peak fitness and health, you must take the time to eat well. Go for healthy nutritional foods avoid sugar and fatty foods. I do not generally advocate taking tablets for anything if you can help it, but taking vitamin tablets is one way of ensuring that you at least receive your minimum daily vitamin and mineral supplements ( do NOT use this as an excuse for not to eating good food).

Exercise Regularly

There is simply no getting away from this one! You must exercise every day if you can and exercise heavily every other day( out of breath - minimum 20 minutes) to maintain your peak mental and physical state. If you have not exercised recently, start slowly and always exercise within your own ability. If you have any kind of health issue, speak to your doctor about your plans and agree a suitable exercise regime between you. Exercise effectively dissipates physical and emotional stress; speeds up the metabolism, enhances the production of endorphins, and relieves muscular tension and basically leaves you feeling great! Even if your life or your choices do not permit you to commit to regular exercise periods, you must exercise. So find ways of naturally incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Be creative... Buy a pedometer and resolve to but 10,000 steps on it each day!

Get Plenty of Sleep

An adult normally requires between 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep allows the body time to heal, renew itself and to restore energy. Always try to get enough sleep and take a short nap (20 mins) if you need it to renew your energy in the daytime. To ensure a good sleep pattern avoid eating or exercising 2-3 hours before bedtime, never watch the news after 6.00pm if you can help it and spend a few minutes doing something quiet and relaxing before going to sleep; your journal perhaps or an inspiration book.

Drink Water

And lots of it, 2 litres a day of clean cool water! Tea, coffee, squash,juice, fizzy drinks.... none of these count! Water is a delicious and very refeshing drink and is fantastic for the body, helping to detox the body on a continuous basis. Try it, see how you feel after just 2-3 days.

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Nurture Your Spirit

Do Your Affirmations

Keep up your affirmations, allow their positive messages to keep you inspired and moving forward.

Read Positive or Inspirational Material

Find positive books and other inspirational materials to read. They will provide continuous reinforcement and support for yourself and keep you feeling motivated.