I don’t know about you, but this spring teaser weather is really getting to me! I long to shut the computer off, take a walk, and listen to the spring birds. But emails are calling my name, and I’ve got a hundred calls to make. Seriously. Yet, too often we think that if we take time to take better care of ourselves, whether it’s by going to the gym, joining friends for lunch, or taking a fifteen minute respite from the world, we are somehow selfish. Or worse-lazy. However, self-care does not equate to self-centeredness.

You know the airline oxygen mask analogy: Take care of yourself first so that you can take care of those you love. Need I say more? Perhaps I do, because we don’t seem to take self-care seriously. Yet health and well-being are serious issues!

Self-care is not about being selfish.

Ironically, self-care leads to more energy, efficiency, effectiveness, focus, clarity, and productivity. I’m not saying you need to devote two or three hours of each day to praying, reading, reflecting, exercising, and doing whatever you want. What I am saying, though, is that self-care is critical for both your well-being and the well-being of others. Proper self-care is not just a nice thought. Your body, mind, and spirit depend on it.

So what are you doing for your own well-being? Are you exercising your body and mind? Are you addressing your spiritual needs? Do you have any downtime to simply enjoy solitude and peace?

Learn to let go.

Make a point—today—that you will drop some of those less important activities in your life so you can rest, rejuvenate, and rejoice.

What is some of the best advice you’ve been given regarding self-care? How do you incorporate it into your life? Leave your comments in the box below.