"Just over three years ago, I was living a completely different life where self-care and self-love wasn’t particularly present. I was working in a city, doing a job that I hated and I was totally blind to just how unhappy I really was."
Anne-Louise is the Founder and CEO of Thirty & Thriving. Thirty & Thriving is an exciting new life coaching business with over 10 years experience in training. Dedicated to female empowerment, confidence and business success, using a combination of coaching tools, healing techniques and spiritual practices.
Check out Anne-Louise Instagram @thirty_and_thriving_ for female empowerment, self-care, self-love and spirituality.
What does self-care mean to you?
Whilst most people would consider self-care to be tasks or actions performed by a person to benefit oneself, I believe the meaning of self-care to go much deeper than that.
The way in which we treat ourselves is often a true reflection of how we treat the people around us. In other words, you cannot give to others what you don't already have yourself. So if you’re children, parents, friends or partners happen to be the most important things to you in your life, don’t overlook self-care. Self-care is one of the greatest ways of giving the world the best version of you, instead of what’s left.
Has your perception of self-care changed, particularly with the events of last year?
Well this may come as a bit of a surprise, but for me, self-care is a relatively new path in my life. Just over three years ago, I was living a completely different life where self-care and self-love wasn’t particularly present. I was working in a city, doing a job that I hated and I was totally blind to just how unhappy I really was. The term ‘painfully numb’ springs to mind. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I finally realised just how much self-work I needed, psychically, emotionally and mentally.
For the last three years, the diligent practice of self-love, acceptance and personal growth has led me to where I am today, living a life of passion and purpose. As the CEO and Founder of Thirty & Thriving Ltd, a life coaching business, it is now my mission to support women going through their own personal rock bottoms. Through intuitive led training, I empower my clients to find their true North, and awaken their inner wisdom, confidence and potential.
What are some of the misconceptions around self-care?
Self-care is selfish. The effects of self-care are temporary. Self-care is just for women. Self-care takes too much time. Self-care can only involve things that are calming. Self-care doesn’t work...to name a few. All of the above are common misconceptions about self-care.
However for me, the biggest misconception I see is that self-care is something we need to be taught before we can practice it. So many of my clients don’t realise just how simple self-care is to incorporate into their day. Self-care doesn’t require you to be a Guru expert, it simply requires you to chune in and ask the body/mind what it is they need.
What are some of your favourite self-caring activities/self-care routine or affirmations?
Great question, and this answer links back nicely to the answer I gave above. Each day, just before I open my eyes in bed, I begin the day by checking in with myself. Whilst I’m laying there, slowly starting to regain my senses from a night of slumber, I ask myself the most important question of the day, ‘What is it that I need to do for myself today?’.
Some mornings I’ll gravitate towards a meditation to help me center and align my thoughts for the day. Whilst other mornings, I might find I've got some left-over energy that needs to be cleared using an uplifting workout. Nevertheless, throughout my day I always have my calming candles burning in the background to keep myself balanced - in fact, the very candle I have burning in the background as we speak is the sage and sea salt candle by The Sun and My Soul!! #truestory
How do you make sure you’re regularly prioritising self-care?
Two words, triggers & routine. For many of us, we unknowingly have certain triggers that when activated can cause us to fall straight off the self-care wagon! Understanding and recognising these triggers will allow you to step back, breathe, assess the situation and remain on track.
In addition, embedding a good routine is proven to help organise and prioritise the things in life that matter - such as 30 minutes a day dedicated to self care. If you’re struggling to prioritise this time, try to think of it this way. There are 1440 minutes in a day. 30 of those minutes equate to roughly 2% of your day. Everyone can dedicate 2% of their day to self-care.
Do not neglect yourself. You are important and you’re worthy of this time!
Why is it so important to keep going even when you’re feeling better in yourself?
The simplest way to answer this question is by using an analogy. Picture your favourite sportswoman/man. Just because they’ve been promoted to a new league or ranking doesn’t mean they’ll stop practicing in between games. Self-care is similar to this. It’s the work we do in between the games that enables us to perform and continue growing through life’s leagues. Remember, in order to flourish, you’ve got to nourish!