Love Yourself Week
Yesterday was an absolutely fabulous day and I think it’s because I actually took the time to enjoy it, do my favorite things (savor a great, relaxing breakfast, run with Bill (yes I ran outside in the cold for 45 minutes!!!), 25 minutes of yoga, walk around town before dinner, have a delicious dinner, relax and watch a movie at night).
I decided that since this week I am loving my body by feeding it crap-free foods, I should reciprocate and “love myself” by making one positive change each day. “Love yourself’ week will start today and run until Sunday, but I hope after completing a week of this challenge, I will inspire myself to keep it up.
I encourage you all to do this little challenge with me because I know most of you live a crazy, busy life as I do and we need to focus on not just our physical state of being, but also your mental state of being, you know?
Today’s challenge is to: breathe.
It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? And maybe I’m the only one that does this, but (with the exception of doing yoga) I never focus on breathing. Do you? When I’m at work, it’s the last thing I am thinking of and when the thought does pop in my mind, I realize my breath is quick, hurried, and short, almost like I’m gasping for air (ok I may be overdramatic here, but you get the idea).
So, to clairify, today’s challenge is to take deep breaths. It’s important for our health and I find that it’s also a good stress/tension reliever. It helps me to calm down, stay focused, and really appreciate the fact that I’m able to breathe and deliver oxygen to my lungs.
There’s no easy way for me to measure how I’ve done, but I’m just going to try to keep this in the front of my mind all day and see how it goes. I know the benefits will be positive and worth it. I think I may even post a sticky note on my desk as a reminder because keeping this idea in the front of my head, when work gets crazy, is easier said than done.
That being said, if you have any articles or information that you think is related to this topic, please feel free to link it in a comment or send me an email so I can share it in tomorrow’s “Love Yourself” post.
I LOVE this idea…I haven’t been loving the ‘ol body so much lately so this will be good to practice.
I just scrolled down to your dinner you made the hubby! SO FUNNY that we made the exact same thing…esp the crepes haha. Great minds think alike though!
I love thsi concept! As I was reading this it actually made me calm down and focus on my breathing. If I get brought down by work today, I will need to remember to jsut breathe as you said. Just taking those few deep breaths right now seriously relaxed me.
AMEN!!!
Fabulous idea!! I’ll be taking some deep breaths for sure when I’m about to take my Chem exam – hopefully it’ll calm be down a little
Happy Monday!!
what a great idea!
I just did some deep breathing reading your post, and I didn’t even realizing I was doing it!
Awesome idea for this week! I need it! and I need to remember to “breathe”
hi! i’ve been reading your blog for a while but here goes my first comment =)
just wanted to thank you for doing the “love yourself” week – breathing IS so important, and i look forward to what else you have to offer!
oh also… i’m from outside of philadelphia, so i LOVE your philly spirit!!!
I love this idea. I am doing a version of Crap Free Week, and I’ve set up one major goal for myself: Cook! I have been eating out of a can too much.
I think your goal for the day is a nice reminder. We all need to take a break once in a while and just breathe!
Thanks for posting this – it’s a great idea!
I really really love this idea!! I take yoga classes twice a week and the instructor is so great at telling us something to meditate on right before Shavansana (spelling?). On Saturday, it really stuck with me:
May you be happy,
May you be healthy,
May you be free from suffering and all causes of suffering,
May you tend to your life with ease.
The part about tending to my life with ease really struck a cord with me. I feel like I often dwell on the one thing in my life that is tough or bringing me down … it often seems like I am trying to make my life more difficult. (Same goes for my body/myself … focusing on the few imperfections instead of appreciating everything that I have). Thanks for making the intention to love yourself this week!
Great tip. I stop breathing sometimes when I am worried about what my kids are doing…Need to breathe better so that I can be a calmer mommy.
What a wonderful message. I actually make an effort to take deep breaths when I am getting anxious or nervous (I have the letters B R E A T H E in my hallway/yoga area) and I find that it helps. Good luck!
I love your theme for the week! I def. need some work in this area! Thanks for the awesome message. Deep breathing today it is!
Oh my gosh, that is a great idea putting it on a sticky note too! Thanks for sharing!
I love this! Beautiful =)
Thanks for the tip, I had a really stressful morning (when really I didn’t need to get so worked up, depp breathing definitely helped me calm down!
Cute idea and I’m totally on board with Love yourself week!
The post-its? Such a handy idea.
What a great idea, thanks Lindsay!
Lindsay,
Thank you so much for the remind to breathe…I AM SO bad with my breathing, and it can make such a huge difference in our lives. I go on and on to my clients about breathing through their stress, but I always forget to do it myself. So, thanks again…I will breathe today.
PS – Melting Pot pictures looked amazing…epspecially the chocolate covered rice krispee treat!
love this idea! I will be following along for sure!
I can’t wait to read this week and pick up some ideas. I am lacking in the “love myself” area!
I feel like such an ass for not leaving you comments recently, especially since your support during this past weak was just beyond words. You have a heart of G0LD and one that I adore so much. Honestly and truly, I was so touched and so comforted by your beautiful words, as I always am. I love you so and NEED to see you soon!!
I love that you are doing this! It’s sucha great idea. I think it so important for people to learn how to love themselves as they are. I’m a firm believer that you can’t fully love someone else until you love yourself and you can’t fully let someone else love you until you do the same for yourself. I have learned that the hard way!
I’m looking forward to all the upcoming posts on the subject! And I will remember to just breathe.
Ah what a wonderful week of self- love:)
love this! breathing exercises help me often times too