Taking care of yourself – body, mind, and soul – is the foundation of success. Why do so many people overlook this – and what can you do to make sure you’re putting yourself first?
People often dismiss this key component of success because they become overly focused on the end result – a new job, a career advancement, another degree or certification.
Success Starts with You
Anyone can push hard for quick achievement, but if you’re focused on success that lasts a lifetime, start by nurturing your most critical asset – you. After all, Emerson once said, “The first wealth is health.”
Dr. Stephen Covey, author of the best-selling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, calls it “Sharpen the Saw”. Successful people develop and maintain a balance in four life areas: physical, social/emotional, mental, and spiritual. When we renew ourselves continually in each of these four life areas, we not only stay fresh, but we enhance our ability to cope with the inevitable challenges we’re presented with.
If you’re ready for some tips that you can start using today, read on. Keep in mind that while self-care is key, it’s imperative you pay close attention to your habits – because your habits determine your success.
You can do all you want to take the best care of yourself– but if you’re not willing to honestly examine and alter your habits – don’t expect to get anywhere fast.
Sleep It Off
Sleep is crucial because it not only contributes to your physical well-being, but also affects each of the other life areas as well. Did you know that over the course of a lifetime, the average person will spend a total of 24 years sleeping?!
So, how many hours of sleep do you need each night? While many people think 8 hours is the magic nightly number, Daniel Kripke, a well-known sleep researcher, found that those who get between 6.5 and 7.5 hours of sleep each night enjoy the longest, happiest, and most productive lives.
Sleep isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. No one knows your body better than you – so you know what works for you – and what doesn’t. If you’re not sure how many hours of sleep gives you the best functioning, experiment. Once you know your magic number, make sure you’re getting it!
If you want all the details on sleep and how it relates to productivity, check out this article by Leo Widrich.
Get Up, Get Moving
Whether you’re called to pound the pavement as a runner, put out some moves in kickboxing, or strike a pose in yoga, exercise is a great way to boost your energy and confidence. When you see what you’re capable of physically, you can allow it to transform every other aspect of your life.
Pick a form of exercise that suits your personality. Don’t be discouraged if you really weren’t into that Pilates session you tried out last week – keep trying different styles of exercise until you find the one that sends your pulse racing and keeps you coming back for more.
Jennifer Cohen, a Forbes.com contributor, named exercise as one of 5 things ultra successful people do – before 8AM! Even if you’re not an early riser, work with your own rhythm to keep things moving.
You Are What You Eat
Perhaps as important as sleep, eating well is another element of a healthy lifestyle. Just like sleep isn’t one-size-fits-all, you need to pay attention to what works for you, taking care to avoid foods that don’t interact well with your body.
In an article on feeding the brain for academic success, Dr. Philippa Norman stresses that healthy food choices are a vital part of education and well-being. Eating well isn’t just important in education – it makes a difference in all realms of life.
And while you’re focused on healthy eating – don’t leave out the H20, which is essential to life itself. Even slight dehydration can impact your performance, causing fatigue, dizziness, reduced concentration, and decreased cognitive abilities.
Make Time, Take Time
Make time for activities that renew your soul – reading, hiking, time with friends, journaling, dancing, nature walks – even cleaning! Taking time for yourself is a great way to avoid burnout and ultimately, boost productivity.
Read more about avoiding burnout in this article by Sasha VanHoven, where the author suggests making downtime a daily ritual.
And don’t forget about alone time – even if you think you’re an extrovert. Spending time alone can be a tough thing for many people, especially in our interconnected world, but it’s essential to allow your body and mind to recharge. Read more here to find out how to maximize your alone time.
Want more tips to create a balanced, healthy life? Check out Dr. Oz’s 28-day plan to renew your body, mind and soul. Only when you bring your mind, body, and soul into balance can you begin to enjoy lasting success in other areas of your life.