Last year, I had the well-intentioned but ultimately doomed plan of putting yoga classes on my calendar after everything else went on my calendar. Needless to say, it didn’t work out that well. As my last priority, at least on the calendar, I ended up missing classes more often than not. Yoga is one of the sure-thing stress reliefs in my life. I’ve never once regretted going to a yoga class, but I’ve certainly regretted not going.

So this year, I’ve decided on a new plan and a new mantra for self care. It’s not a radical or new idea in that almost everyone and their brother will tell you to prioritize yourself and your own health. Yet most of us know that it’s not so easy to do because we get pulled away by other demands and situations. I’ve thought carefully about what will keep me honoring my own well-being while still being responsible for my work and family. 

Change Your Language, Change Your Life

I realized that my language in the past has been, “I’m really going to try to get to yoga today.” Could I have a more wishy-washy thought process if I tried? Yoga was a maybe and that’s how I treated it. This year, I changed my mantra and changed my behavior. “First, I go to yoga.” The other day I had some car issues and some little annoyances at home. I was ready to skip yoga, but instead I said to myself, “Yes, these things need to get done, but first I’m going to yoga.” 

As it will likely not surprise any of you, once I go to yoga, all of those little annoyances aren’t so annoying, my ability to get stuff done increases, and my attitude improves exponentially. Shocking, right? Taking care of myself first is like that old saying around saving money, “Pay yourself first.” It’s kind of amazing how all of these little old-fashioned ideas are rather brilliant. 

It seemed like a minor shift to change my language. However, my language changed my mind and my mind got my body into action. I’ve been hitting the mat a few times a week since the beginning of the year. It’s led to zero regrets, improved concentration, and a much more pleasant version of me. I’m paying me first and it’s working.

What’s your version of yoga? Running? A long walk? Meditation? Maybe even a mindless television show? What will you make into your, “But _________ comes first” mantra? 

Love,

Lisa Kaplin Psy. D. PCC