Inside and Out

I've talked a lot about the idea of self-care-- the physical, the spiritual, all of it. I think taking time for yourself is one of the most important things you can do in this life, because if you don't take care of you, who will?

This semester, on the verge of innumerable potential life changes, I've discovered that I really do care about taking care of myself. I want to be healthy in every way, because feeling better about myself means that I can contribute in a more positive way to those around me. It may sound cliche, but it's true--on the days when I've spent time taking care of myself, I find myself more prepared to take care of others.

Here are the ways I've been having the best possible "me-time" lately:
1. Running & getting back in shape: It's a new year, and it seems that the popular thing to do is to work out--you can find complaints EVERYWHERE about gyms being the busiest they've ever been during the month of January. But truly, a new year CAN MEAN a "new me," and I find that the way I feel about myself physically really does spill into all other areas of my life. I joined a gym earlier this month, and I've already committed to running two 5k's in the month of February. When I spend time taking care of my body, I feel more prepared to meet the day! That, and I made my PERFECT running playlist, that keeps me going when I'm huffing and puffing up the hills and streets of Tallahassee (believe it or not, TALLAHASSEE HAS SO MANY HILLS, AND THEY ALL SEEM TO BE AROUND MY HOUSE).

2. Immersing myself in the Bible: No matter your faith, I think it's important to believe in something bigger than yourself, and to have some kind of spirituality that guides you. For me, it's Christianity, and the quiet time I spend with God in the morning is the sweetest part of my day. I've picked back up reading my devotionals, which take scripture and apply them to lessons of Leadership and Grace. I spend time in prayer throughout the day, and most of all, I remind myself of God's promises of love, mercy, and faithfulness. It's hard to have a bad day when you know the "Big Guy Upstairs" is spending each moment of your day with you.

3. Reading: I am a book-worm in EVERY sense of the word, as I'm sure those who know me can tell you. I love to learn, I love to immerse myself in other people's stories; every aspect of reading is a wonder to me. Lately, I've been reading both for fun AND for reflection time. Currently on my bookshelf: the series "A Song of Ice and Fire" (I'm on book two!) and Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (currently on Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind). Diversity of interests is the name of the game, my friends. :)

4. Television series: Okay, this one is a little less metaphoric, and a lot more about alone time--I am hooked on several television shows, and I'm not afraid to admit it. My roommates and I never got cable (a blessing and a curse), so I do most of my watching on Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming sites. Here are the shows that have been keeping me entertained lately:
Revenge, Bones (as always), Project Runway: All-Stars, Once Upon a Time, Downton Abbey (Thanks to my friend Virginia for getting me hooked!), The Bachelor (Give me credit on this one--there's an Aggie who's a contestant!), and Doctor Who (Thanks to Netflix for fueling this addiction!).

In this new year, how are you taking care of yourself? Are you making YOU your priority? What are some of your suggestions for the best possible "me-time"?