Self care was at one time a foreign concept to me. In fact, to deal with stress, negative emotions and overwhelming feelings, I did quite the opposite of self care, I mastered self-sabotage.

But when I hit rock bottom and was forced to face demons that I buried deep down by stuffing my face with food and watching endless hours of TV, an intervention was needed. This intervention for me was self care and this is what tore me off the couch and got me back to feeling like a version of myself and resemble feeling human like again. Now don`t get me wrong, when I first heard of "self-care" I was sceptical and to be quite honest thought the whole process was "cheesy." Looking back, I now know it was a defence mechanism, a way of protecting myself and to be quite frank, I was afraid.

Mastering self care is what turned my life around, what helped me look at life through a different lens, what made me realize my self worth and realize the awesomeness I had within. It also made me realize that I didn't have to feel the way I was feeling and that I alone could control the thoughts and the story that I was playing on rerun and telling myself each day. By changing the story I told myself and learning what it meant to take care of ME, I was able to focus on healing.

So what did I do? How did I begin to focus on self care? These are a few tips to get you started on implementing self care in your life and putting YOU first:

1. Move your body: Self care starts with having the physical energy to change, so naturally self care has to start with a physical element. Start moving your body 30 minutes daily, choose activities that you like such as walking, gardening or put on some music and dance your heart out.

2. Fuel your body: Give your body the nourishment it needs to function. Eat more vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, beans and lean meats, drink more water and give your body what it needs to function at its greatest potential.

3. Take time for YOU every day: Schedule at minimum 10 minutes each day to do something for YOU, something that makes you happy and makes your soul dance.

4. Learn and Grow: Find ways to learn and grow, read personal development books, surround yourself with people who are uplifting and positive. You are who you surround yourself with.

5. Learn to set boundaries and to say NO!: Don't be a people pleaser and be okay with saying NO. We often overbook ourselves and have crazy, busy schedules which allows little time to take care of YOU which leaves you often feeling depleted and exhausted.

These are just a few quick tips that will help you begin the journey of self care. By implementing these 5 easy changes daily, you can transform your life and begin the process of taking care of you which will lead to a life with more energy, confidence, happiness and health.