Women become paralyzed in their lives and let themselves go because of an underlying fear. A fear of rejection, a fear to accept how they really feel about themselves, a fear of facing the idea that they aren’t enough, a fear of accepting how others may feel about them. They let the fear take over and let other people determine their own self worth.

Give yourself permission not to be superwomen… As a way of honoring yourself, I encourage you to practice some of these self care strategies that have been helpful for me and my clients:

1. Give yourself permission to add self care to your life. It’s OK for it to be all about you sometimes. Think of self care as any act of nurturing, meaning anything that enhances your level of health, wellness and happiness. Look at all areas such as physical, mental, social, spiritual and financial. Paying an overdue bill can do just as much for your level of wellness sometimes as a warm bath.

2. Recognize and blast the barriers. Ask yourself: what is preventing you from making self care an everyday occurrence? Some of my clients’ barriers that we often work through are feelings of guilt, lack of time, finances, lack of support or the need for perfectionism. If any of this ring true for you, take some time to determine a plan as to how you can overcome them. As Dr. Phil says…”You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge”.

3. Ditch the Superwoman Syndrome. This syndrome is adding unnecessary stress and sickness to our lives. We place such unrealistic expectations on ourselves. The guilt we feel often fuels this Superwoman Syndrome. Start letting go of your mental chatter; practice saying No and remember no one’s life is perfect.

4. Remember that small acts of kindness and compassion can have big pay offs.

5. Allow yourself to dream. If you are craving something new in your life, ask yourself what are some of the dreams you have been putting off.

6. Having a healthy perception of life and a positive attitude is one of the best self care strategies you can practice. A daily reflection of gratitude and appreciation goes a long way toward improving yourself care, your self worth, and your whole life.

Honor yourself from a place of kindness and gentleness. We do what we know to be the best at the time. Forgive yourself when needed and celebrate yourself whether you think you need it or not. We all deserve to be celebrated.

Live passionately… what else have you got to do!

Christine Spencer, Certified Life Coach for Women, Eternal Optimist and Philosopher of Happiness.

You can visit Christine’s websites at christine-livepassionately.blogspot.com/ and http://www.girltimecoaching.com/ and Salon Rouge

Tags: fear, Self-awareness, self-growth, Well-being