We live in a world where many women always ensure that their family, careers and friends are well taken care of, without even taking the time or moment to breath.
Women continuously go out of their way and pour so much of themselves into everything around them that they often ignore themselves.
Aneesa Razack, CEO of Share Investing at FNB Wealth and Investments, “We’ve all heard the saying that your health is your wealth. Sometimes it may sound as a cliché but it’s one of those statements that you should listen to with a salient voice; take a deep pause and see the importance of filling your cup to the brim first.”
The global pandemic has come with many lessons. For one it has taught us to appreciate the gift of life and good health as this has inevitably become the most valuable and precious blessing for every individual. Practicing self-care, self-love and mindfulness is the best investment we can make to ensure that our energy – mentally, emotionally, and physically – is well balanced. This ensures that we can continue giving our best on the things that matter most – including us.
“This Mother’s Day and for the rest of the year, we would like to empower women to regularly invest time – in their busy seven-day week schedule – and practice the five languages of love by Gary Chapman on themselves,” says Razack.
1. Words of affirmation
Buy yourself a journal and write down the positive phrases that you can affirm daily to yourself after waking up or before sleeping at night. A few examples of daily affirmations are: My body is healthy, and I am grateful, or I have the power to reach my full and best potential.
This is the best way to deposit positive words to your mind, body, and soul every day.
2. Quality time
We can all agree that time is always of the essence but don’t forget that scheduling time for yourself is just as important. Simple daily mindfulness practices such as meditating, exercising at home or the gym and even taking a nap will help you unwind or get your mind off things and focus on yourself.
Your journal is very beneficial during your quality time as you can jot down a bucket list of your dreams and aspirations that you would like to achieve in a short or long-term. An example of this is wanting to be debt-free or to retire comfortably in your golden years.
3. Acts of service
We are often told to be strong or to keep on going even when we have nothing to give. This is why practicing self-care is such an important act of service which helps recharge our bodies when our energy is depleted.
This can be going for a walk or drive to a spot that brings you a sense of peace or helps you get a perspective of things. Another act of service, especially if you don’t have medical aid benefits, can be saving up a small amount from your income for regular three months physical or mental health check-ups to address any health concerns earlier when they arise. Remember, without your health, you have nothing.
You can also set a scheduled transfer to “pay yourself first” when automating the monthly savings towards your financial goals.
4. Gifts
Put thought and effort in everything you do – a little goes a long way. The truth is most of the things that we want from others – like love, happiness and contentment – should come from within.
Spoiling yourself now and again with small gifts is part of self-love and appreciating yourself first. Another simple practical gift to yourself can be registering for the free courses that are aligned to your goals – be it personal or financial.
The global pandemic has come with opportunities where people can enrol for free to acquire new skills or even watch step-by-step videos of things they love doing most, such as cooking and baking, then master that skill to turn it into a side hustle to make some money. Gift yourself with knowledge and unlock your full potential.
5. Physical touch
This is what we all desire after a long day and the best part of this is that you can do it yourself, don’t always wait for someone else to pamper you.
Run a hot bath with scented bath salts – also cost effective is normal Epsom salts – to help release the stress or toxins from your body whilst soaking in. Sometimes you can just soak your feet in some hot water for a few minutes then use your daily body lotion or oil to massage your feet. Give yourself a simple at home spa treatment: manicure, pedicure, facial, deep hair conditioning treatment to thank your body for all it does for you.
“The true investment and wealth in life is in your well-being because your health is equally important as wealth if not more important. When you continue with your daily activities and focusing on the things that matter most, remember that you only live once and your existence is unique to this world,” concludes Razack.
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