"Taking Care of Yourself at Home and Abroad."

When last did you really take care of yourself? I am not surprised to find out that generally people do not because they think it is selfish and self-indulgent.This could not be further from the truth. My experiences have shown me that when I do take care of myself in the ways that I need to, it is only then that I am truly capable of being of real service to someone else. As expats it can tough where you are. Where to go, what to do and how to go about it? It's often a struggle just surviving in a foreign environment, right? Well, the good news is that self-care is not something that requires money, venues and elaborate plans.

There are many ways in which you can take care of yourself whether you are at home or abroad. I have listed 10 below. As a success plan for the week, how about choosing 3 tips from the list and put them into practice everyday. Be aware of how it affects your relationships with others. You might just discover that by indulging and taking care of yourself, you are in fact enabling yourself to help others by just being YOU. It is also very possible that it could add another perspective to your life and create new dimensions to your adventures abroad.

Self-care Ideas:

Voice you feelings. Don't keep them inside you. Share your accomplishments or disappointments with someone you trust. Remember that when you express your feelings, it is then that you can change them.

Take time to play. Play is any activity that makes you feel good. You not only deserve it, it is essential to a balanced state of well-being.

Do not compare yourself with others. This kind of jealousy causes self-disgust. Do not think others are better than you. If there is someone you admire, use them as a model to improve yourself.

Learn to say no. When you become more comfortable with saying no to others you will find that your self-esteem improves. When you then choose to say yes to others, you will want to and you will feel great and energised by your choice.

Exercise. Go for a walk. Ride a bike. Take the stairs. You don't need to go to a fancy gym to break a sweat. There is nothing like some physical activity to help shift yourself from a mood of despair to one of hope.

Remember you are only a human being doing your best . Don't let others put you high up on a pedestal. When this happens they expect you to be perfect and they feel angry and disappointed when you let them down.

Please remember to laugh, laugh at everything, especially at yourself. Try it! It is the cheapest and most effective form of medicine for life.

Practice being an encouraging and kind person. Find 2 people today you can help out in this way. When you do this, you will not only feel amazing, but it will kick up your self-esteem a notch or two.

Take up a hobby. What is one thing you have always wanted to try out? It could be oil painting, learning a foreign language, taking flying lessons ... the list is endless. Creativity helps you unleash a sense of enthusiasm and zest for life.

Put time aside for your spiritual life. Slow down. Practice sitting quietly. When thoughts crop up, acknowledge them but do not pay attention to them. Be still. Be courageous and if a traditional religion has not been helpful for you follow your own spiritual path.

"Self care is empowering. When you implement any healthy practice into your routine, you are taking charge of your life. You are the expert on your needs, and if you don't acknowledge their importance who will?" The Case For Self Care, By Jennifer Snyder, Jan 28, 2003