THE NON-NEGOTIABLE LIST - WHAT'S ON YOURS?

Life can get pretty crazy and sometimes the things we should be doing to nurture mind, body, soul during these times can be the exact things that we are not doing. To help ensure I'm taking care of the self care basics I've recently created a non-negotiable list. What's a non-negotiable list you may be wondering? Well it's a list of things that you determine are important to you, to ensure your functioning at your very best.

My non-negotiable list items get scheduled in my Resilientista planner as regular appointments, and are treated with the same respect and consideration of time, as I would any other appointment in my planner. For example I wouldn't cancel a business appointment because it's cold or raining out - so I'm not going to cancel my morning walk due to weather.

Sleep :  7-8 hours minimum per night during the week
The time that I NEED to go to bed is determined by the time I need to wake-up the next morning which is usually 6:00 - 7:00 am, therefore my bedtime can be no later than 11 pm - this means no more clicking on the computer trying to get that post or chapter written into the wee hours of the morning. This has been such a positive mood changer for me.

Soothing Bath: 2-3 times per week
Having a bath is​ calming, relaxing, detoxifying, and helps with stimulating of circulation. For me it's the perfect solution after a long day of writing; running after my furbabies; gardening: or dealing with everyday stress. It's a time to connect with my self.

Connect with Nature: Daily 
On days that I did not have an appointment outside of High Heeled Life HQ, I sometimes would realize at the end of the day that I had not gone outside. Or I didn't take time to really connect with nature as I drove or took the TTC to and from appointments. So now I make it a point to get outside everyday and really connect with nature even for just 10-15 minutes. At home I will go outside in my back yard or front porch to enjoy my lunch, or cup of afternoon tea; I make it a point to stay outside a few extra minutes and play with the furbabies - instead of just opening the door to let them do their "business" and back in again; some days I walk around the block or go to a park or down by the lake. I take note of the temperature on my skin, the scents around me and have been know to slip off my shoes and press my feet into the grass or on the sidewalk, and I may hug a tree now and then.

Nurturing Friendships: a couple of times a week
In today's digital world we are being given a false sense of being connected with our friends. Sending a text is no replacement for the connection that only face to face interaction can give. A hug will always comfort more than words on a screen when a friend is going through a difficult time, the sound of your voice will express your excitement for their success more than just the word "congrats" showing up on their Iphone screen. Human connection is important to our growth.

Unplug From Technology: 24 Hour Period
​As a self care and lifestyle writer/blogger this has been perhaps the hardest non-negotiable to maintain, but I'm happy to say that I have discovered the magical world of programs/apps that enable me to pre-schedule posts. If you are feeling overwhelmed at the thought of being away from, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Texting - trust me, spending a day like its 1980 can be very liberating and enjoyable.

What would be on your list of non-negotiable?
Take a moment to schedule at least one in your calendar this week.
​And set it to automatically repeat on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.