Instead of viewing self-care as being selfish, consider the pre-flight instruction a stewardess gives that tells adults to put on their own oxygen mask before that of their child. 

When we care for ourselves in a deliberate manner, we begin to care for others in a healthier and more effective way. We become more conscious and conscientious. We make choices out of love and compassion instead of guilt and obligation. (And what a wonderful example to set for those we care about!)

Does the idea of self-care make you feel guilty and selfish? How will you challenge these feelings today?

-- Adapted from The Art of Extreme Self-Care by Cheryl Richardson

* Surrounding yourself with people who are only interested in a two-way relationship.
* Eliminating clutter from your life.
* Creating and maintaining a soul-nourishing work and home environment.
* Not making any commitments whatsoever out of guilt or obligation.
* Making pleasure a regular priority (ie, taking an afternoon break from work to take a short walk, enjoying a massage, listening to music, drinking your favorite tea, ordering fresh flowers for your office).

Your assignment for today is to take an action step in any of the above areas. You can do it!

-- Adapted from The Art of Extreme Self-Care by Cheryl Richardson

Join us as we take a look at The Art of Extreme Self-Care, by Cheryl Richardson. 

Extreme Self-Care can be thought of as "taking radical action to improve my life and engaging in daily habits that allow me to maintain this new standard of living". These things aren't arrogant or selfish, but are the very acts that allow us to continue caring for others.

Step Number One: Schedule time for yourself (even if it's 5 minutes) on your calendar, in ink, every day for 6 months. Sound extreme? Welcome to Extreme Self-Care!