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This time of year, self-care is extremely important. Overwhelm, stress, anxiety and fear can easily overtake our emotions. As a society, I believe the priority of self-care can be viewed as weak, lazy, unimportant or unnecessary. Yet, how can we attempt to be of service to others if our tank is depleted? In times of overwhelm and stressful energy, it is easy to get swept away by the words and actions of others. It is easier to be brought down than to be lifted up. The only thing we can control is ourselves and how we respond to these times of intense energy. I have found that my biggest challenge has always been inside my own mind, the negative internal dialogue that can run on a loop in my head, telling me I am not doing enough. I believe we are our own biggest critic and when we succumb to those negative thoughts, we are operating off a lower vibration that affects us mind, body and soul. The good news is it doesn’t have to be that way! Awareness is the key. Making the conscious decision every day, multiple times a day, to evaluate where we are at mentally and emotionally. Move a muscle, change a thought! Take a break when you are overwhelmed, go outside for a walk, show some love to your furry friends (My favorite tip! See my photos below!), call a friend and ask how THEY are doing, take that art class you’ve been thinking about, or simply binge watch your favorite show. The “what” will be different for everyone, yet it is the “why” that truly matters. For me, my “why” is so I can be of greater service to other people. So I can bring light to those around me. So I can show up fully and present in all the areas of my life. You can’t bring to others what you don’t have. This Holiday season, I propose a challenge to you all. Just get started. Block out that internal noise, the comparison to others, the self-created guilt, and make the decision to choose self-care once a day. If we all prioritize lifting ourselves up, we will have more strength to help lift up others! It takes 30 days to build a habit, so try it for 30 days and see how you feel. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Love and light, |
Alyssa Prevost, Operations Associate |
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*Alyssa and her husband John have been volunteer Kitten Fosters with the Monmouth County SPCA for the past three years. In that time, Alyssa and John have saved 23 lives and given these precious animals a second chance at life in a loving home. All photos are of their foster kittens. Follow Alyssa and John’s foster kitten adventures on Instagram @kittyclub.nj |