When is the last time you heard someone rave about how much they love their job? Most of us start our careers full of ambition, dedication and eagerness to achieve. But, something happens. Our excitement and ambition is replaced with anxiety and stress. What used to fulfill us now exhausts us. We plow through our weeks and days with a sense of overburdening.
The problem is simple – we stop taking care of ourselves. This is especially true for entrepreneurs faced with the challenge of starting and growing a business. We allow ourselves to lose sight of the priority of mental and physical health, all in the name of success. But, here is a word to the wise: without proper self-care, you risk your livelihood, hinder motivation and, in many ways, sabotage those very same goals you strive so hard to achieve.
With the help of research scientists and doctors across the globe, Dr. Kathleen Hall, founder and CEO of The Stress Institute, has developed her S.E.L.F. Care Program. This program consists of four effective treatments to help you improve your mental and physical well-being:
S= Serenity: Serenity is the opposite of stress. Learning how to reduce stress in your life reduces your risk of all diseases and conditions: cancer, heart disease, stroke, obesity, insomnia, diabetes, depression, anxiety disorders and others. Take a deep breath and say three simple affirming words for a couple minutes. Guess what? You just lowered your heart rate and blood pressure and got a boost to your immune system. Meditation, Yoga, Laughter and Music help to lower the production of cortisol in the body. Listen to your favorite CD to lift your spirits.
E= Exercise: Exercise is the rhythm of your life. Learning to construct your life by moving your body with your natural rhythm can save your life. Skip the elevator and walk us the stairs for a boost to your immune system. A Duke study says exercise may be just as effective as medication for treating major depression. A 10 minute walk will melt away the blues.
L=Love: Intimacy with yourself and others. Isolation kills and community heals. Learn simple solutions to create love and health in your life. Open a door for someone and smile; you just experienced "helpers high" and produced healing endorphins in your body. Community and group support lower risk for heart disease and depression. Make plans to have dinner with good friends at least a couple times a week.
F= Food: Food is medicine. Food regulates your moods, your sleep and your health. Emerging research is teaching us how to eat to alleviate a variety of diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, insomnia and other conditions. People who ate fish less than once a week ran a 31% higher chance of mild to severe depression than people who ate it more often. Plan a lunch packed with omega 3s.
Dr. Kathleen Hall, internationally recognized lifestyle expert in stress and work-life balance, founder and CEO of The Stress Institute (www.stressinstitute.com ) and Mindful Living Network (www.mindfullivingtv.com ), has been featured on major media including The Today Show, CNN, FOX, ABC News, CBS, Oprah & Friends Radio, Good Morning America Radio, Martha Stewart Radio, Fortune, Forbes, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Money, Business Week, Parents, Cosmopolitan, Real Simple, and Woman’s Day. She is the author of A Life in Balance, 2008 Mom’s Choice Book Award winner, and 2007 Nautilus Book Award winner; and Alter Your Life; and, is a contributing writer for PINK Magazine. |
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If so, inspire us with your story. How are you pursuing your career dreams on your own terms?
