I love motivational quotes! They’re a quick way to inject some positivity into your day and depending on the subject, they can provide some helpful life lessons as well. So for this post, I thought I’d do something a little different and talk about a few of my favorite quotes and how I incorporate them into my self-care routine.
When it comes to self-care, many people only think about it in terms of physical activities such as exercise or treating oneself to a mani/pedi or a great meal. But a well-rounded self-care practice should include some cerebral components as well. Whether it’s journaling, visualization or meditation thinking, and contemplation is the key to enhancing the physical components of your self-care practice. And as you may know, I believe that it’s important to take time to make time for self-care so that you can manage your stress before your stress manages you.
Motivational Quotes Do What They Do Best – Motivate You!
One of my all time favorite quotes is by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It is “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genus, power and magic in it.”
"Be Bold"
For me, this quote is all about tapping into the power that lies within. Belief in yourself. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us so if there is something that you want to do in your life, it’s important to start it and to start it now! Don’t wait. Think about the steps that you need to take in order to reach your goal and then break those steps into manageable pieces and just begin. Look at my post on setting SMART goals for more information on making goals attainable.
The other reason why this quote inspires me is that it makes me think of is perseverance. When you’re starting something new and taking a chance on yourself, there may be days when the going gets rough, but if you keep on going and persevere, the universe has a way of working with you and magically putting those elements that you need in place exactly when you need them.
Motivational Quotes Help With Work/Life Balance
My next favorite quote as related to self-care, stress management and motivation is by an unknown author. It is: “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time”
"Slow Down"
This quote has particular significance to me as there are many times on the weekends (after a hectic week at work) when I have a huge internal to-do list; but I want to have some down time. I’ll feel as if I should be researching blog topics, working on the creation of my upcoming stress management workshop, writing my next Toastmasters speech or things of the like, but instead, I may read a magazine, do a papercrafting project or watch some tv instead. So of course, I go through a lot of internal angst, because I’m doing these things instead of doing my personal work.
But this quote reminds me that although I might feel as if I’m ‘wasting time’ by engaging in hobbies instead of working, in reality I’m not, because I’m enjoying the activities that I’m doing instead. Also, in order to re-energize ourselves, it’s important to have down time. You can’t go all the time. Part of self-care is that realization.
Motivational Quotes Help You To Remember The Importance Of Self-Care
I enjoy this next quote because it’s really great at reminding me of how vital it is to take care of yourself. Which of course is the hallmark of any self-care practice.
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” — Eleanor Brown
"Self-Care Is Important"
I love this quote because it is absolutely true. Too often we are doing for others, taking care of others, giving to others but giving ourselves the short end of the stick. You must take the time to develop and maintain a self-care practice in order to replenish your energy so that you can continue to do for others. It’s important to set up and maintain boundaries. It’s okay to say no sometimes so that you can say yes at a later point in time for those activities that you really want to do.
Motivational Quotes Encourage You to Be True to Yourself
I believe that the last two quotes are vital to both your self-care practice and the management of your stress. They are:
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. " – Dr. Seuss
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. " – Ralph Waldo Emerson
"You Be You"
Both of these quotes speak to me because they encourage you to be true to yourself and to believe in yourself. Believing and trusting in yourself does wonders for your self-esteem, which in turn increases your self-care and decreases your stress.
There you have it, 4 ways that motivational quotes help you to manage your stress and develop and deepen your self-care practice.
What are your favorite quotes and how do they help you engage in self-care or to manage your stress? Let me know in the comments section.
Never Stress Photo by sharon wright on Unsplash
Cassandra Martin-Himmons is a trainer, wellness coach and consultant who believes in empowering her clients and providing the tools that they need to make positive changes in their lives to manage their stress and increase their self-care. In her spare time, she enjoys papercrafting, volunteering and travel. Connect with her on Instagram or Linked/In