The Importance Of Self-Investment

When I was younger, I thought of self-investment as ‘self-indulgence.’  However, as I grew spiritually, my guides made me aware that this was far from the case. In fact, I have learned that self-investment is a necessity – particularly in today’s world!

What can self-investment do for you? Well, it helps to calm your emotions and ground your energy. You feel more in control of your overall situation – whatever that may be.

It can also help prevent burnout by reducing stress, inducing a sense of calm, and minimizing anger, frustration, and depression, while boosting self-esteem! It may further help increase your sense of focus, aid concentration and thus help you deal with any current tasks.

Self-investment also helps you feel much more optimistic and increases your sense of happiness, thus attracting more of the good that the abundant universe has to offer you. It aids you in tapping into your higher self, connecting with the Divine, and utilizing your fullest potential in life.

Sounds great, right? But how does one go about implementing self-investment in a modern, busy life? Consider the following strategies:

Manage Your Time

Most people feel that they cannot self-invest as they never have the time to do so.  However, why not draw up a timetable for your week and schedule some me-time? Taking time to do so will pay many dividends for your overall well-being, and what is more important than that?

Drawing up such a schedule will allow you to incorporate healthy habits, and it is the correct kind of habits when it comes to self-nurture that have the most impact. Schedule it: whether you like singing in the bath, cooking delicious healthy food, taking a brisk walk before bedtime, or planning for an early night!

I’ve heard it said that every day you need half an hour of quiet time for yourself, or your Self, unless you’re incredibly busy and stressed, in which case you need an hour! ~ Anne Lamott

Vent Your Feelings

If you don’t have someone immediately on hand to talk to, then sing in the shower, write down your thoughts and emotions in your journal, reflect in nature, hit the gym, but whatever you do. Vent those emotions!

Sort Your Finances

Having no control over our finances drains our energy and increases our stress levels to no end. Spirit has taught me that money is simply a form of energy, and it needs to be kept in flow.

Taking stock of your budget every three to six months and carefully looking at what you need, and do not need, is the way to go. Remember, by investing your money correctly, you are investing in yourself.

Practice Gratitude

We have many different things to be thankful for in life. One of mine is to greet my lovely son every morning. He is high-functioning autistic and seeing him bravely cope with his challenges gives me even more reason to be grateful.

For you, it could be as simple as witnessing the sun rising or setting; spending time out with friends and family; connecting with nature; or watching a baby smile! Whatever you feel you have to be grateful for, acknowledging it will increase your well-being score many times and attract even more good things into your life.

Celebrate Your Successes

We all fail occasionally, but spirit teaches that failure is simply the path to greater success. In fact, it is by failing that we learn to win. Often failure comes first.

However, modesty often prevents many people from acknowledging their successes, and they tend to focus on their failures instead. Don’t let this be you! Instead, learn to focus on your accomplishments, as doing so will help build healthy self-esteem, which cannot be omitted from any self-investment programme.

It is so important to take time for yourself and find clarity. The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself ~ Diane Von Furstenberg

Pet Your Pooch

Our animals love us unconditionally. Science tells us that the hormone oxytocin, also known as the ‘love hormone,’ is released when stroking one’s pet.

Don’t have a dog or cat? Then try a massage as the benefits are similar.

Create Your Own Space

It goes without saying that our environment significantly affects our emotional well-being. Why not then create your own haven? Create your sacred space by filling it with your favourite cushions, candles, blankets, pictures, and anything personal to you that gives you that feel-good factor. Retreat here regularly. You will not regret it.

Practice Focused Breathing

Whenever you feel anxious or stressed, take three deep, calming breaths, ensuring that your exhalation lasts longer than your inhalation. This act alone should have you feeling less stressed in next to no time, as it helps both the body and mind relax.

Take Time Out

Let’s be perfectly honest: life still happens no matter how hard we endeavour to self-invest regularly. When it does, take five minutes out of your routine to make a cup of tea, just have a stretch or take a walk outside.  It will help reset your mind and allow you to go back to your business in a better frame of mind.

Should life seem too hectic for you, it is essential to slow down your pace.  So, watch the kids playing in the park, the clouds passing in the sky, and leaves blowing in the wind. Or, if you are lucky to live near the ocean, watch the waves caressing the beach as the tide comes in.

Should you have no access to any of these natural ‘luxuries,’ put on your headphones and chill out to some soothing music or practice the art of meditation. Failing that, just close your eyes and take some time out to relax – even if it is only a few minutes.