The importance of filling your well and how to do it

Think about the people in your life, what you want to do for them or what you want to give them. Think about what you want to do in your community and ask yourself if you have enough to share with the rest of the world. Is it possible to give something you don't have? When you really think about it, you'll realize that it's really important to 'fill your well' because you cannot give what you don't have. You can't take proper care of others if you're not taken care of, and you can't love others if you don't love yourself.

I know all about taking care of others while my own needs are yet to be fulfilled. Yes, it may have been possible to do it, but doing it with an 'empty well' makes it so much harder. I also realize I could have done so much better if I were better equipped.

Balancing work-personal life can be exhausting, and we may not always find the time for ourselves. This can leave us feeling drained with very little energy for other things.

To cope better with the stress in our lives, we must nurture ourselves and this is also referred to as 'filling your well'. This is the process of "replacing" everything we give to others on a daily basis.

Read a book

WHY

The most crucial thing to remember is that self-care is not selfish. In fact, I see it as the most selfless thing you can do- to be the best version of yourself, which allows you to be all in when you take care of others. I'm not saying just be all about yourself and not care about other's needs. There are times where we have to put others before ourselves, but there is a line and that is a discussion for another day.

Being able to show up fully for yourself is healthy. Taking time off for yourself does not mean you are depriving anyone else of anything you have to offer.

It shows others that you also need taking care of and it sets an example for your children to take care of themselves.

HOW

Spend time in nature. Go to the beach, hike, have picnics, etc.

Do something fun regularly; It may help to identify a hobby or two and put time aside for it.

Take a break and enjoy your favorite things. Sit and sip on coffee, smell your favorite flowers, look at something you like.

Connect with others. Socializing with positive people is a great way to fill your well.

Be kind to yourself. ALWAYS!!!

Spend time in the garden. Even weeding or watering your plants is relaxing. You don't need a big yard to do this; a small corner with some of your favorite plants will make all the difference if you don't have space for more.

Switch off as often as you can, don't only rest your body, but also your mind.

Write to get to know yourself better and read to learn about everything else.

Eat and drink healthy. Don't underestimate the power of maintaining a healthy body.

Pamper yourself, get a massage, pedicure, manicure, new haircut- whatever makes you feel good.

Take the time to say a prayer before you start your day; this is by far the most important thing on this list. Breathe and be grateful for another day added to your life.

The difference

If you need help, ask for it.

Basically, to fill your well you need to figure out what you need and then go get it.

WHEN

It's best to make it a habit, and make this part of your life, to keep sane and healthy. If however you really have limited time, you should at least do it when you feel burned out, overwhelmed, hopeless, tired, depressed, passionless.

You can also read my blogs on 8 Simple ways to be happier at home , 10 Things I wish I knew before 30 , 10 Ways to cope with anxiety

Tell us what other ways work for you to fill your well by leaving a comment or joining our forum.