Hi friends,

A coworker recently told me that something I said to her a long time ago really stuck: self-maintenance is self-care. I still believe this deeply. Taking care of yourself and prioritizing your needs isn't selfish, it's essential. We can't show up as our best selves when we're depleted, and no one else can do this work for you.

Often, support begins by covering the basics. Ask yourself:
​Are you hydrated?
Are you sleeping enough – and well?
Are you moving your body?
Are you getting the nutrients you need?
Are you breathing steadily?
Have you been outside lately?
Do you feel comfortable in the spaces you spend the most time in?
How is your outlook toward yourself and your future?

Self-care doesn't always require hard work. Sometimes a deep breath can shift everything. Sometimes an honest assessment of where you are brings a powerful realization. And sometimes hard work is required – but can often become the catalyst for meaningful transformation. Perspective matters. Let this process be a light, rather than getting caught in the minutiae.

Personal Assessment
​This can be quick – let your gut reaction guide you.

Step 1: Assess your basics​
Hydration • Sleep • Movement • Nutrition • Breath • Nature • Environment • Self-Outlook

For each, ask:

• Am I getting what I need in this area to feel my best?
• Are my habits aligned with the outcome I want here?

Step 2: Choose the category calling for your attention most and reflect:

• What emotions come up around this?
• What could I only learn by being in the situation I'm currently in?
• What's one easy thing I could do today to improve this?

Then, take the action.

If you don't want to, gently ask yourself why? Sometimes we hold onto patterns because they feel familiar - and familiarity can masquerade as safety. Are you projecting safety onto something that isn't actually providing it?

Is taking action truly hard, or does it just feel big? What's the most accessible next step that could offer even a small amount of relief? Do that. One thing to bring relief, one step at a time. Relief compounds.

Affirmation: I take aligned action to improve my situation. I lovingly release what is no longer mine to carry.

Doing the work to improve your situation, whether physical or emotional, is always worth it. This year, give yourself the gift of relief by taking one step at a time toward something better.

You've got this.
xo,
Christen

P.S. I'm here to support you if it would be helpful. I'm currently taking discovery calls to see if you would benefit from coaching sessions. Let me know if you'd like to set one up.