10 Simple Signs of Self Neglect

Okay guys, I can write a book on this. So I'm going to try to keep it short. But I harp on this all the time. It is only because I am sooooo guilty of it myself. As a mom, I have always put everyone else's needs before my own. I have ran around like a chicken on crack making sure that everyone else had what they needed. Then I'd look in the mirror and see an exhausted, resentful, unhappy, and feeling guilty for being unhappy woman with bags under her eyes, dull skin, dry untamed hair and think, "who the hell is this?" That's not the bold, sexy, daring, charming, woman I remember.

Here are 10 signs that it may be time for you to make yourself your first priority.

1. Anxiety

If you find yourself freaking out over things that are not a big deal to anyone else, (like not making the cookies for the bake sale that you said you would) it may be time to step back and give yourself a little TLC.

2. You are always tired

You wake up first thing in the morning & still feel like you didn't get enough sleep. You go through the entire day feeling like you need a nap. You sit on the couch for 10 minutes and want to stay there for hours.

3. Poor digestion

If you are not pooping first thing every morning...you have poor digestion. If you can't poop without first drinking a cup of coffee, you have poor digestion. Everything that has to do with our mental, emotional & physical health begins in the digestion. This is why it is so important that it function properly. One of the first signs that your digestion is malfunctioning is not going every day.

4. Hair loss

In Ayurveda (a science of health that is mover 5,000 years old) there are 3 doshas, or body & mind types. The goal in Ayurveda is to maintain a balance of the 3 doshas in order to live at optimal health. When one of these doshas becomes imbalanced in our bodies or our lives, many symptoms arise. One symptom of a Vata dosha imbalance is hair loss. This type of imbalance occurs when there is too much movement in our lives. Ask any typical American mom and she will tell you that her life is nothing but nonstop movement...take the kids to school, get in a workout, get dressed, go to work, pick up some groceries on the way home, pick up the kids from school, get one of them to his game by 7, and so on and so forth...non stop movement. This lifestyle will absolutely cause a vata dosha imbalance in the most grounded person. Hair loss is one of the most evident symptoms of this type of imbalance. It is definitely time to slow down.

5. Loss of sex drive

This goes hand in hand with being overworked, tired, feeling unattractive, unloved, and under appreciated. Girl...take a freaking day off. Get yourself to the spa. Get your hair done, your nails done, a facial, and be the freaking Goddess that you are. You deserve a good night of romping in the bedroom!

6. Change in weight

Weight loss comes from having a vata dosha imbalance. Again, this imbalance is created from constant movement, no rest, and over activity. On the flip side, excessive weight gain can also stem from this lifestyle, but it's more likely attributed to the consumption of fake food. You convince yourself that you don't have time to make something healthy, so you opt instead for something, cheap, fast, and easy to eat. These foods contain ingredients that the body was never designed to ingest or digest, so they get stored as toxic fat.

7. Inability to focus

You accidentally locked your baby in the car, strapped into the car seat, with your keys in the ignition. And you end up having to call the fire department to come and unlock your car, making you feel like the best mom ever! Yes...true story. Not one of my proudest moments. But hey, talk about being overwhelmed with every aspect of my life.

8. Anger or overly critical

Ooooo...yes, this is a good one. When you go weeks, months, even years of giving, giving, giving, you slowly start to resent all of the people around you (this includes your most beloved ones) for not giving back to you. You are so drained and utterly depleted that you end up lashing out at the very same people you love so much. Yes girl, I've been there too. Here's the deal. By this point, you have to realize that no one is going to make you a priority. Not even your husband. Because as much as you love him, he's absolutely clueless in this department. Here's where you have to just stand up and say, " Hey! You are taking the kids for how ever much time, and go give to yourself. A spa day, weekend retreat, night out with the gal pals, whatever! You NEED TIME TO RECHARGE! Do it and don't feel guilty about it!

9. Insomnia

The lights are out. The house is quiet. And you can't shut off your brain. A million thoughts just keep swirling around and around in your head, things that don't even matter, like "Is there enough milk in the frig to get me through the week? Does anyone even look at my nails, is it worth the money to get them manicured? Does my boss think I'm a dork?" And before you know it, you look over at the clock and realize that you have 2 hours before you have to get up. Ya...if this is you, you are most definitely a victim of self neglect.

10. Unhappy

Lastly, and most importantly...do you smile more than you frown? We only get this one life. I know it's a cliche saying, but if your'e not happy with what you do, with who you spend time with, with your surroundings, with the reflection in the mirror...change it mama. Life is meant to be enjoyed with every single one of our senses. Health equates to happiness. If you can't walk up a flight of stairs without breathing heavy, if you can't fit into a seat belt, if you are more concerned with your next meal than any other part of your day, then my guess is that your quality of life is not where it should, or could be. You can lie to yourself all you want and say that your'e fine. But the truth is that this is not happiness. But another truth is...You have the power to change it. Give some TLC to yourself. This will give you more energy to give more to the people that you love so much.

Sabrina White is a certified Health & Fitness Coach. She has worked in gyms all across the country for 20 years. She now owns her own coaching business. For more information on how to get a hold of Sabrina, email her at ayurvedasabrina317@gmail.com