Maybe it’s because I’m getting older every year – which is totally unfair – but more and more, when I think about what I’m grateful for, it’s my health – specifically my body’s ability to move about the world and do the things I want to do, as well as my ability to see, hear, and use all of the gifts that God gave me. And I’m conscious of the fact that not everyone has full use of all of these blessings – regardless of their age.

So, I’ve been thinking much more these days about how to invest in my health. Because I ideally I want to be able to live an active and healthy life for years to come. While that may not totally be in my control, for the most part it is. And I have to admit, I haven’t always been the best at doing my part.

I don’t always eat right. Actually, I don’t choose the right foods to fuel my body often. I don’t exercise and move my body enough. (Did you know it’s possible to walk less than 500 steps in one day? I have it on good authority that’s true.) And probably the biggest area for improvement for me is related to prioritizing my sleep. I simply don’t. I see far too many 1:00 AM bed times, and for no real reason.

So, when I was asked recently to deliver a keynote presentation on Self-Care as part of Paycor Inc’s online web summit, I first said no. Because as the self-appointed poster child for the not-so-great self-care crowd, I didn’t think I was the right person to deliver that message.

But after thinking about it for a bit, I realized that I am exactly the right person to deliver that message. Why? Because it’s an area that I’ve both failed in, and one that I’m regularly researching ways that I can improve.

I don’t like to fail. And I want to take care of my body, mind and spirit. I’ve also made some changes that have dramatically improved my well-being. Some of those changes were my choice, and some were forced upon me.

As is often the case, the student can become the teacher. 🙂

IMPACT MAKERS PODCAST – EPISODE 32

As we enter the last few weeks of the year, where many will be spending time being thankful, as well as planning and setting goals for the new year, I wanted to share some information and research about the importance of self-care, as well as 5 key areas I believe we should all consider for intentional self-care in order to live our best lives, full of positive impact.

Self-care isn’t selfish. It is necessary. We truly can’t pour from an empty cup and we can’t help others if we’re emotionally worn, completely stressed out, or too sick to help.

My goal is to help you understand the importance of self-care and how to practice it, proactively, without feeling guilty. I hope you enjoy today’s episode!

5 Key Areas For Intentional Self-Care

Show Highlights:

• What is self-care? I’ll give you my favorite definition and share a great quote to help you remember why it’s so important.
• I share the five key areas of self-care and give you tips for each area.
• Our bodies speak to us, sometimes loud and clear. If we don’t listen, the consequences can be devastating.
• We’re talking about self-care, but I believe that caring for others is also a form of self-care.
• Self-care has a physical, mental and emotional impact on our lives, our bodies and on those around us.

More Info and Resources:

King University Online

Paycor, Inc.

Paycor, Inc. Self-Care for the HR Pro web summit presentation by Jennifer McClure

Paycor, Inc. Web Summit (On Demand)

The Five Rules for Self-Care By Shelly Tygielski

Michael Hyatt

Ideal Week Excel Spreadsheet by Michael Hyatt

Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy –

Full Focus Planner

Oprah Super Soul Conversations: Tom Brady on Life After Football: “I Think About It More Now”

National Sleep Foundation Recommends New Sleep Times

Shawn Achor

Shawn Achor 6 Daily Happiness Exercises

The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor

Before Happiness: The 5 Hidden Keys to Achieving Success, Spreading Happiness, and Sustaining Positive Change by Shawn Achor

Oprah Super Soul Conversations: Oprah & Shawn Achor on the Secret of Happy People

Get More Done With Calendar Blocking – Amy Landino YouTube

The Importance of Scheduling Nothing by Jeff Weiner

Oprah Super Soul Conversations: The 5 Keys to Happiness That LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner Lives By

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Thanks to King University, who’s support makes this podcast possible! King is proud to offer sixteen online degrees with accelerated programs and affordable tuition so you can start a new career faster than ever. You can choose from programs in technology, communication, and business – like an online MBA with six concentrations including human resource management. And because the program is offered fully online, you can earn your degree on your own schedule in as little as 16 months. Visit https://online.king.edu/impactmakers to learn more about the King Difference today.

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Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase I’ll earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only link to products or companies because of their quality, or my personal experience with them, and not because of any commissions I receive from your purchases.