Now that the weather is finally shaping up, it’s time to get outdoors and do the same for our bodies. Go for a walk or a run, head to the gym – whatever motivates you to shed those extra pounds that somehow crept on during the winter months. But before you do, be sure that you’re wearing the right undergarments!

85% of women are not wearing the correct size bra. Isn’t that an astonishing number? When was the last time YOU had a professional bra fitting? This would be a great thing to do on your next “Self-Care Saturday.” Make a date to sort through your undergarments too – getting rid of any that are worn or don’t fit you well.

A properly fitted bra is essential under your clothes, and that includes your workout wear. 80% of doctors believe that supporting the breasts with a good sports bra greatly reduces breast stress and damage. Many women — especially those with a larger cup size — wear two sports bras trying to contain or minimize bouncing. Did you know that compression is the WORST way to support your breasts?

Watch and listen to bra expert Susan Nethero of Intimacy (aka the Bra Whisperer) for some important tips on selecting the right sports bra for you.

Intimacy has locations across the country, we are fortunate to have one here in Boston.  Go to www.myintimacy.com to schedule an appointment for a free bra fitting at the location closest to you.  They are now carrying bra-sized swimwear — great for women who have a tough time finding the right fit.  Check it out!

If you live north of Boston, visit Night and Day Lingerie www.nightanddaylingerie.com. They too can help you find the right size and style for your shape.  Tell Merit that I sent you!

At the beginning of 2010, I made a committment to myself that I would take one Saturday a month and devote it all to ME. On these days I am not available to anyone (unless I choose to invite a friend along).  It is my day to take care of me, to re-energize and re-focus on what MY needs are.  I may spend the day at the spa or at a museum or shopping for myself – but whatever I choose, it’s all about ME!

To help me keep my committment, I’ve gone through my calendar and scheduled my Self-Care Saturdays for the entire year, and my fabulous VA Jackie set up an auto-reminder for each one to prompt me to make some plans so I can use my time off wisely. She takes really good care of me and I love having her on my team!  (I think we should have a Self-Care Saturday together sometime this year)

So on February 13, 2010 I enjoyed my first Self-Care Saturday. It was such a fun day! I started off with a mani/pedi, then met a girlfriend for lunch, then sat and did some reading, then went for a massage, and on the way home picked up some yummy thai food … oh, and I bought myself a bouquet of gorgeous flowers!  I ate my thai food by the fireplace with a glass of wine and the clicker in my hand to watch some of the shows I had recorded during the week. I got up the next morning for my favorite yoga class feeling totally rejuvenated.  It made a huge difference in my mood, and I just felt light all day long.  It was wonderful!  Now I need to decide what I would like to do for my next Self-Care Saturday!

What do you do to take really good care of yourself? I’d love to hear about it, just post a comment below.

One of the most important ways to prepare for stepping into the spotlight is to take really good care of yourself.  It is essential that you carve out some time just for YOU.  We tend to focus first on taking care of everyone else in our lives, and we are last on the list!  I want you to start making yourself a PRIORITY.  Set clear and sustainable boundaries on your time and let family, friends, business associates and clients know when you’re not available. Schedule time for Essential Self-Care on your calendar – just like you schedule time for everything else.

It’s amazing what happens when we start paying attention to ourselves.  Think of it like tending your garden. When you feed, water, provide the right amount of sunlight, prune away dead branches and add a bit of plant food, the plants and flowers start to grow and blossom!

Creating your business and life requires the same attention as your garden.  If you start paying close attention to your mind, body and spirit and give each what it needs — refreshing water, fresh air, sunlight, exercise, time with people who nourish your soul, and time for laughter and play — you will have the energy and enthusiasm required to be the best version of yourself. And when you feel good about yourself, everything else will fall into place. You’ll be ready to step in to the spotlight with confidence and grace!

Here are 5 of my favorite Essential Self-Care tips:

1.    Self-Care Day/Weekend – Make time for a full-day or weekend every month in which you focus only on YOU. Put it on your calendar and plan in advance what you’ll do. I even have my VA send me a reminder so that I can make sure that I stick with my plan. Here are a few ideas:

• Spend a day at the spa.
• Take a hike in nature.
• Spend the day curled up in bed with a good book and a nap.
• Go on a yoga retreat.

2.    Take an Adventure – Try something new!  Is there an activity that you’re drawn to but feel that you shouldn’t, couldn’t or wouldn’t try?  Do some research and plan something you’ve never done before.  Step out of your comfort zone and give it a try!  When you try something new it gives you confidence and allows you to step out of your fear, proving how strong and resilient you really are. Here are some ideas:

• Take dancing lessons.
• Go white water rafting.
• Go rock climbing.
• Go skydiving.

3.    Meditate – Take time for quiet reflection.  If you’re having a tough time making a decision or deciding what the next step may be in your business, get quiet. The answers are within.  If you find meditation challenging like I do, try using a guided mediation.  Start with a short period of time and work up to a longer time. Here are some ideas:

• Decide what time of day is best for you to meditate.
• Use a CD for guided meditations — there are many to choose from.
• Create a space for yourself to sit and meditate. Surround yourself with things that inspire you. Light a special candle (I love Zena Moon candles). Once you make it a habit, your body will know when you sit in this spot that it is time to breathe deeply, relax and get quiet.
• Write in your journal.

4.    Laughter – Laughter really is the best medicine!  Don’t take yourself too seriously. Keep your sense of humor and remember to laugh at yourself  and keep things light.  Laughter affects our brain chemistry and immune system in a very positive way. Here are some ideas:

• Go to see a comedy movie or comedy show.
• Get together with your girlfriends and have a game night or cook dinner together.
• Be playful.

5.  Create a Beautiful Environment – Make your home and office a space that nurtures your soul and provides a safe haven. Your environment should reflect your essence, and be a space that makes you feel safe and relaxed.  Fill your home with things that bring you joy — family, friends, pets — through pictures, art or the real thing! Here are some areas to focus on:

• Bedroom – make it a quiet, restful space for you to re-energize.
• Office – make it a place where you feel creative, productive and energized.
• Keep your entire home clean and clutter free.

Have you tried any of these ideas? Do you have your own favorite self-care rituals? I’d love to hear it! Please post a comment below.

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If you would like to use this article in your newsletter or blog, please feel free to do so as long as you include the following text and live URL: Written by Laurie Mandato, AICI FLC. A wardrobe and style consultant, Laurie is passionate about working with speakers, authors, executive leaders, coaches and consultants who are stepping into the speaking spotlight. Visit her website at http://www.lauriemandato.com.

©2010 Laurie Mandato. All rights reserved.

February is the month of love. It offers us an opportunity to show our friends, spouses and significant others how much we care about them. But what about ourselves? The relationship you have with yourself is the most important one. It’s critical to take really good care of yourself first.

One of the first things I work on with my clients is their mindset.  NO negative self talk please!  I recommend creating a personal mantra and posting it all over your house, your car, your desk — wherever you will see it as many times a day as possible.

I was pleasantly surprised recently when I stopped in at the lululemon at Legacy Place, Dedham, MA and found the front window covered with colorful post it notes, each with an empowering message.  I asked one of the sales associates what it was about and she told me about this amazing website – OperationBeautiful.com. A young woman named Caitlin started the site and her mission is to post anonymous notes in public places for other women to find – positive, uplifting messages. This point is that WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL.  You are enough … just the way you are!

Way to go Caitlin! Thank you for spreading the message of self-love to women all over the world.  So go ahead ladies, get out your pens and post it notes and post away!  Then take a photo and send it to Caitlin via www.operationbeautiful.com.