…and my current fav YouTube workout channel!

Self-care is not selfish.

That might be a given for you, or it might be something you really struggle with. For me, that belief comes and goes in the mess of mommy-hood. I can see a positive difference in how I’m able to take care of our family and reach out to others when I’m filled up.

One of the ways I have to daily take care of myself is by working out. I have to make myself do something hard, so I can be strong and in shape physically, but also to release emotional tension and clear my head. When I work out, I release pent up emotions and energy so they don’t come out in unhealthy ways. I’ve made myself do something hard, which helps me to practice self-control in other hard things (like, not eating all the chocolate in the pantry, even if it is Askinosie– not sponsor, just a fav).

This week I want to highlight one of my favorite trainers on YouTube- ActionJacquelyn. She’s also on insta as @actionjacquelyn and even has her own app that you can try for free with a whole workout community and new workouts every week.

I found Jacquelyn’s channel looking for some barre workouts, but she also does Yoga, pilates, and HIIT, along with some gentler workouts. Her positivity flows from a place of thankfulness, and her attitude has ben a factor in reminding to be thankful for the season I’m in now and embrace it instead of comparing it with past seasons of life.

So, working out is just one way to self-care. But what else fills you up so you can keep growing and living well?

I challenge you to think through what you need to be a better version of you, and then to find a way to start doing it. When you take care of you, you come at your work and responsibilities from a healthy fullness instead of running on empty plus a few shots of caffeine. And that means instead of being draining to the people around you, you can bring life. Take care of yourself. It’s the best way to love your people.