I’m sure by now you’ve heard of self care. This is something a lot of people are talking about these days. But, not a lot of people are practicing it. So, why not? I ask a lot of my clients what their self care plan looks like. And, the number one answer I get is, ‘What is that?’

Then they Google, Why Should I Take Care Of Myself?

Honestly, I think that is kind of sad. People are too busy working or taking care of others, to even think about taking care of themselves. This may come from a very old belief, that taking care of yourself is selfish. Believe it or not, when people Google self care they ask what it is rather than how to do it?

Many things play a part. Your gender, race and socioeconomic status. Believe it or not, some believe you must be rich to practice self care. That is total nonsense. There is no truth to it. Don’t believe the lie that self care isn’t for you. If you don’t have a self care plan, then you need to start one today.

It can be simple. Instead of rushing through your shower, slow down a little. Wash your hair with some nice shampoo, and take your time. Massage your scalp. Instead of being on your phone until the…

Read more: Why Should I Take Care Of Myself? Here Are The Top 20 Reasons.

You take care of everybody else, so, why aren’t you taking care of yourself?

I know you know about putting your oxygen mask on first in an airplane. So, why are you putting yours on last? In the end you aren’t helping anyone.

Are you starting to wonder why you are feeling burnt out, and don’t enjoy your family anymore? If you answered yes, then you are definitely in the danger zone. If you don’t change now, you will definitely regret it. You could end up depressed or ridden with anxiety.

Here are 5 tips to help you start taking care of yourself now:

1. Start your day with mindfulness. I start everyday with 10-15 minutes of mindfulness. This helps me clear my mind and get ready for the day. Before I started this, I always woke up worrying about what I had to do that day and if I would have enough time to get it all done. Now, I know it’s alright if I don’t get everything done. There is always tomorrow, and the next day for that matter.
2. Schedule time slots when you don’t work.You don’t have to have every time slot on your calendar filled with work. This may make you feel more productive, but you aren’t giving yourself a break. This will definitely lead to burning out in the long run. You…

Read more: Taking Care Of Yourself Is The Best Thing You Can Do For Your Family

This is also known as, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you have this, you don’t have to suffer alone or in silence. There are more people that suffer from SAD, than you think. This means you are not alone. Unfortunately, a lot of people may not realize they have it or want to talk about it.

Talking about it, is actually one of the best things you can do. Please don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed. People suffer from SAD for many different reason. It could be chemical, genetic or the environment. The good news is, it’s treatable.

Here are 6 recipes to help you overcome SAD:

1. Get outside and soak in the rays. You need natural sunlight, AKA, Vitamin D. A minimum of 20 minutes a day is best. If you can sit by a window during the day. You also need to get outside. If you can, go for a 20 minute walk. If you live in a place where it is too cold to get outside during the day, then invest in light bulbs that are natural light rather than fluorescent light.
2. Get moving.Studies have shown that walking a minimum of 35 minutes a day has helped reduce depression symptoms. This is in people that have mild to moderate symptoms of depression. You can exercise inside or outside. Try a workout that will…

Read more: The Best Recipes To Help Fight The Wintertime Blues

The New Year is here. Where did 2017 go? It was gone in the blink of an eye. You did a great job of taking care of everyone else. You made sure the kids lunches were made and got them to school. You rocked your last presentation at the office. And, you did all of this on little to no sleep.

You need to start taking care of yourself.

Now, these are all great things. But, what happened to putting yourself first? You did all of this and now you are feeling burnt out. You don’t understand why it is such a big deal. You can barely take a compliment, without wondering why you are feeling so down all the time.

Your brain is always going. You are always at least two or three steps ahead. You feel like you will never catch up. When did life become all work and no fun? Everybody talks about setting goals for The New Year. They are usually about work and family, and they don’t involve having fun. For The New Year I want you to set goals about having fun.

Here are 6 tips for taking care of yourself:

1. Set aside time for fun everyday.Even if you don’t know what it will be, just set aside time for it. Write down fun on the calendar, even when you think…

Read more: How To Fall In Love With Taking Care Of Yourself. Mind. Body. Spirit.