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Writer's pictureNatalie Upp
Jul 26, 2016

Are You Practicing Self-Love?


Have you ever been so stressed that you’ve forgotten to pick up your child?

I was at my last job, frantically working on an upcoming event. My stress level was at a 10. All of a sudden, the phone rang. “This is Natalie.” It was my daughter’s after-care program. The after-care teacher nicely asked, “Are you on your way to pick up your daughter?” My stomach dropped when I looked at the time: 6:15 PM.

Nothing makes a mom feel worse.

Now, if I asked you where your stress level is on a scale of 1-10, how would you answer? Are you more towards a kick-backed 1 or a spinning out of control 10?

I’ve been at a 10 many of times in my life. I’m sure you’ve been there, too. You go 100 miles per hour, never stopping to consider how your stress is affecting your health.

If you don’t take care of your stress, it will prevent you from reaching your goals. Chronic stress can cause things like:

  • Anxiety

  • Irritability

  • Depression

  • Headaches, shoulder and/or back pain

  • Sleep problems

  • Overeating or undereating

  • Digestive issues

  • Susceptibility to illness

  • Belly fat

So how did I go from being a stress bucket to chillaxing through my busy life?

It’s called: self-love.

According to the dictionary, self-love means “regard for one's own well-being and happiness”. If stress is getting in the way of your health and enjoyment of life day to day, something's gotta give.

And now, even in my stressed out moments, I’ve learned to stop and give myself a little self-love. <3

I practice self-love in my own life by scheduling rest and recovery (stress-reducing sessions) into my week, just like I do my workouts. I even replace some of my workouts with these “sessions”. I walk more, I’ve realized that things in my life don’t need to be “perfect”, I invest in getting monthly massages, I take quick breaks outdoors to enjoy some fresh air, and I’ve implemented a 5 minute quiet time each morning to put myself in a positive mindset for my day.

I can honestly say it is working and I literally feel less stressed out than ever. And I want you to the feel same!

So if you are needing a time-out from stress, try some of my strategies or others like taking a warm bath, watch a funny show/video or call a friend and chat on the phone.

I don’t know about you, but when I get ready for the day, stress doesn’t really go with my outfit.

Your biggest cheerleader,

Natalie

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