As we like to say at livingselfcare.com, “Self-Care is like chocolate. You can never have enough.” During this week’s self-care challenge we’ll bring you daily tips and inspiration with a chance to win prizes that pamper. Click here to learn more.
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Welcome to The Self-Care Challenge, Day 2! These guest entries focus on the mind/body connection reminding us that what goes on in our minds has a significant impact on our bodies, whether we are aware of it or not!
Our first self-care tip was written by my (Stacey’s) mother, Nancy Lawrence. I cherish the talks we have, as she always has wise words of advice for me – when I ask for it! My mom has never pushed her ideas or advice on me, and I have always been grateful for her giving me the space I need to make mistakes and then helping me learn from them. Here’s her entry:
The difference between a thoughtful word and a thoughtless word is the difference between a lightning bug and a lightning strike. One word or phrase can uplift or beat down. Take the word “failure” for example. If you hear this word and it pertains to you, in that moment you have to make a choice.
Failure doesn’t exist, really. It’s always a lesson on what won’t work and the opportunity to alter your thinking to find out what does work. After all, we’d have no light bulbs if Edison had thrown in the towel! In the brief seconds after hearing a thoughtless word, the choice is yours: hang your head and feel awful; or find the lesson or the “silver lining.” There always is one!
Our second self-care tip is from Sue Suardi, a friend of Diane’s. If you ever find yourself talking yourself out of going to the gym (or running or skipping yoga class…), come back here and read Sue’s wonderful tip:
My friends and co-workers ask me why after a long day of work I bother working out. I do it for myself. I believe working out is not only healthy for me but also a release of the stress from the day. Working out is not a chore for me but a gift to myself. Sweating is a sweet release!
What great advice for our minds and our bodies! Stay tuned for more tips during our Self-Care Challenge Week!
drdianesanford.com 
One of the things I learned (the hard way) in my 30s was that a healthy mind = being comfortable with yourself and not worrying about what others think (this includes not being overly concerned with using the correct fork at dinner, writing the perfect thank you note, or even buying the best wedding gift) aides in being physically healthy. When your mind is at peace your body is at rest and leaves lots of room for reflection and self-care!
Very good points, Mami! I, too, find that the older I get the less concerned I am with what other people think. It’s way too exhausting to put on an inauthentic show every day. Good for you for taking care of your mind AND body! They really are not separate, are they? =)