Are You Your Own Doormat?

I’m not a doormat!

You may not let other people walk all over you, but are you allowing your commitments to walk all over your life and your health?

Think about it…

• Do you put the needs of everyone and everything else ahead of your own needs?
• Do you take care of others before you take care of yourself?
• Are you treating your own health and wellness like a doormat?

It is easy to do.

There is always something else to do or someone else who needs us. Yet, if we don’t take the time to care for ourselves, well…. we really aren’t much good to anyone in the end.

But they need me!

Do they? What would happen if you just said no (or not right now) to some of your commitments and carved out a little time to treat yourself as well as you treat others?  Would things fall apart?

I don’t know where to start!

Ask yourself some questions about how you choose to spend your time:

• What am I getting out of this? It’s okay to want something in return for your time and energy.  Do you enjoy the people? Do you feel energized? Does it generate business? Does it make a difference?
• What is it costing me? In money, time, energy, family interaction, self care, etc, what are you giving up to do this?
• Is what I get enough to offset the cost? Do the benefits outweigh the costs or are you paying too high of a cost?
• If I stopped, what would happen? Would the walls come tumbling down, or would it be an opportunity for someone else to step up? Would people resent you, or celebrate your committment to yourself and your priorities?
• If I stopped doing this what could I do instead? If you had time and energy, what is possible? Could you eat better, get some exercise, relax and recharge, spend time with people you love, or care for your own needs?
• What is really important to me and is this helping to support it? Is it? If not, why are you doing it?

It is a great time, right now, to take a close look at your commitments and determine which fit with your priorities and healthy habits.  We know taking the time to eat nutritious meals, get some exercise, and manage our stress is the key to being healthy – and being able to care for the people and things we know are important. Be good to yourself.

Make sure you aren’t treating your life and health like a doormat!

Eliz Greene works with busy women who want to improve their heart health so they can live longer, feel better, and stress less.

As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country providing down-to-earth, ag-friendly, and energizing keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She is the author of 3 books and writes one of the top 50 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.

Eliz Greene survived a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggled to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and searched for a way to hold on to the perspective and passion she found in her near-death experience. Drawing on her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage stress.