What is self-care exactly? It’s not just a trip to the spa! Learn how to slow down and really connect with yourself is a healthy way and tap into your inner healing. We share a list of 10 Ways To Implement Self-Care Daily on this episode. We also discuss the myths we all tell ourselves to avoid self-care. Drop the guilt and learn what other myths keep you from providing yourself the self-care you need.   What is Self-Care? self-care /ˌselfˈker/ noun: self-care; noun: selfcare 1. the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health 2. the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress   Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It’s also key to a good relationship with oneself and others.  What Self-Care Is Not Knowing what self-care is not might be even more important. It is not something that we force ourselves to do, or something we don’t enjoy doing. Self-care is “something that refuels us, rather than takes from us.”   Why Self-Care Matters Stress is a toxin to your body. Science has now proven “chronic stress may also cause disease, either because of changes in your body or the overeating, smoking and other bad habits people use to cope with stress. Job strain — high demands coupled with low decision-making latitude — is associated with increased risk of coronary disease, for example”. Chronic stress adds to the Cortisol overload in your body as well. If your Cortisol levels are off the charts it’s difficult release excess weight. Plus, elevated Cortisol levels have negative effects on your other hormones swimming around inside making it hard to get proper rest or even relax. Remember that self-care is not optional, it’s essential.   Bust Your Myths Around Self-Care You feel guilty taking time for you. – This one is huge for people, especially women. You cannot serve from an empty well. If you don’t fill the well there is nothing to give, which of course leads to more stress and guilt. You don’t have time. – This is an overused line, isn’t it? I tell people ‘there’s no such thing as Time, it is a figment of your imagination.’ While not necessarily true in the literal sense, it does hold truth. We are the Master of our time not the other way around. You don’t know how. – Ok, now this one should be a huge red flag if you tell yourself this. Why? Because it is a strong indicator that you aren’t in touch with You. You’ve lost sight of your deepest wants, needs and desires. It’s time to get reacquainted with You. Start digging deep to uncover You again. Fear of doing something you truly love. Allowing other people’s thoughts and feelings and criticisms to affect us, and to affect the decisions that we make in life.   10 Ways To Implement Self-Care Daily Create a “no” list, with things you know you don’t like, or you no longer want to do. Examples might include: Not checking emails at night, not attending gatherings you don’t like, not answering your phone during lunch/dinner. Promote a nutritious, healthy diet. Get enough sleep. Adults usually need 7-8 hours of sleep each night. In contrast to what many people think, exercise is as good for our emotional health as it is for our physical health. It increases serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and energy. In line with the self-care conditions, what’s important is that you choose a form of exercise that you like Follow-up with medical care. It is not unusual to put off checkups or visits to the doctor. Use relaxation exercises and/or practice meditation. You can do these exercises at any time of the day. Spend enough time with your loved ones. Do at least one relax