The Importance of Taking Time for You and The Magical Ripple Effect it Creates, by Hayley Prescod, your Transformational Wellness and Success Mentor, and Reiki Master.
In the business of daily life, it’s easy to lose yourself in the hustle and bustle.
Whether you're juggling the demands of your career, family, or personal outcomes, the idea of taking time for yourself can often feel like a luxury that you simply can’t afford! Time seems to slip away, leaving little space for you. Maybe you’ve told yourself, “I’ll rest once I finish this project” or “I’ll prioritise myself once things calm down.” But the truth is, things rarely slow down, and before you know it, burnout starts to creep in.
It feels like there’s always something or someone else needing your attention, and as a result, taking time for yourself falls to the bottom of the pile. Yet, deep down, you know that running on empty is unsustainable. You feel the signs, notice the fatigue, the irritability, the overwhelm that comes from giving to everyone but yourself.
But here’s the secret: Scheduling out time for selfcare, time for you, isn’t just nice to have, it's essential for your wellbeing. Not only does it recharge your body, mind, and soul, but when done consistently, it creates what I like to call “a magical ripple effect” that touches every aspect of your life.
Why Taking Time for You Is Non Negotiable. Imagine your energy as a cup. “A Happy Cup” I like to call it. Every time you give to someone else, be it through work or relationships, you pour out a bit of what's in your cup. (I consider everything to be a relationship, see below the Wheel of Life that highlights key relationships in our lives). Without replenishing your own Cup, you eventually find yourself running on empty, which leads to feeling overwhelmed, irritable, and worse case burnout! But when you prioritise yourself, even for just a few minutes a day, you refill your cup. This makes you more energised, focused, and present in all areas of your life. 1 Self Care isn't selfish, it's a necessary act of self preservation. When you honour your own needs, you allow the best version of yourself to show up for others, whether it’s in your business, your relationships, or your personal growth. By nourishing yourself, you create a ripple effect, positively impacting everyone and everything around you. The Ripple Effect: More Than Just a Moment of Peace.
The benefits of selfcare extend far beyond the immediate moments of relaxation or rest. When you take time for yourself, it shifts your energy and creates a magical ripple effect that spreads through every aspect of your life: - Improved Relationships: You become more patient and empathetic, being able to engage in deeper and more meaningful connections with others. - Increased Productivity: With renewed energy, you’re able to tackle tasks more efficiently and creatively, both in your personal and professional life. - Boosted Confidence: Selfcare reminds you of your worth, empowering you to make decisions that honour your values, beliefs and outcomes. Honouring your values and beliefs is essential for living an authentic and fulfilling life. Too often, we adopt the expectations and beliefs of others, whether from family, society, or peers, without questioning if they truly align with who we are. When we take the time to reflect on our personal values, we create a foundation for decisions that resonate with our true selves, rather than living by someone else’s ideas. It’s empowering to release the need for external validation and embrace beliefs that align with your soul’s purpose. By honouring your values, you live in greater alignment, allowing you to experience more fulfilment, peace, and success on your own terms.
2 Tracking Your Mood with the Moon and Menstrual Cycle. One powerful way to deepen your selfcare practice is by syncing it with the natural rhythms of your body and the moon. Women have long been connected to the cycles of nature, and both the moon and your menstrual cycle can offer profound insights into your energy and emotions.
🌕 The Moon’s Phases: The moon goes through a cycle of waxing (growing) and waning (shrinking) every 28-29 days, which closely mirrors the menstrual cycle. Each phase of the moon has a distinct energy that can guide your self-care practices:
🌘 New Moon: A time for rest, and setting intentions. It’s the perfect moment to reflect on what you need to let go of and what you want to invite into your life.
🌓 Waxing Moon: This is a period of growth and action. As the moon increases in light, your energy tends to rise. Use this time to take on projects, plan, and make bold decisions.
🌕 Full Moon: The full moon is a time of heightened emotions and reflection. It’s a time to celebrate your achievements and release what no longer serves you.
🌖 Waning Moon: As the moon shrinks, energy declines, making this a perfect time for slowing down, recharging, and focusing on self-care.
Menstrual Cycle Tracking: Similarly, your menstrual cycle follows a rhythm that affects your energy, mood, and productivity: -
Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): Just like the new moon, this is a time for rest. Allow yourself to slow down, reflect, and reset.
Follicular Phase (Days 6-14): This phase is marked by increased energy and creativity. It’s the ideal time for brainstorming, starting new projects, and taking on challenges. -
Ovulatory Phase (Days 15-17): With high energy and social vibes, this is when you feel most magnetic and confident. It’s a great time for networking, collaboration, and putting yourself out there.
Luteal Phase (Days 18-28): As your energy begins to dip, this is a time for wrapping up tasks, preparing for rest, and engaging in gentler self care practices. By tracking your mood and productivity with the moon and your menstrual cycle, you create a more intuitive self care routine that honours your natural rhythms. This helps you to be more in tune with your energy and allows you to schedule activities based on when you're feeling most aligned. Journaling is a great tool for tracking your emotions and expressing your thoughts and feelings.
3 Creating Lasting Change Through Small Steps. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight to start experiencing the ripple effect of self care and time for you. It begins with small, intentional actions.
Here are a few ways to get started:
✨ Gratitude: Express thanks for all you have, that you are grateful for in that moment. Energy goes where energy flows.
✨ Morning Rituals: Start your day with a practice that centres you, whether it’s a few moments of meditation, journaling, or simply enjoying your first drink or the day in silence. (It's an English breakfast tea for me)
✨ Check in with Yourself: Throughout the day, pause to ask yourself how you’re feeling. Are you in tune with your needs? Do you need to slow down, or are you ready to push forward?
✨ Track Your Cycles: Use a journal or an app to track the phases of the moon and your menstrual cycle, noting how they impact your mood and energy. Adjust your schedule or self care practices accordingly.
✨ Celebrate Small Wins: Every step you take towards better self care is worth celebrating. Acknowledge your progress and allow yourself to feel proud of the effort you’re putting into yourself. The Magic Lies in You. At the heart of it all, the magic of self care lies in your willingness to prioritise yourself. When you take time to nurture your mind, body, and soul, you create space for more joy, clarity, and abundance in your life. As you fill your own Happy Cup, you naturally inspire others to do the same, creating a beautiful, magical ripple effect that radiates out into the world. And the world sure needs more of that. It’s time to invest in yourself 🥰 The ripple effect starts with you
But lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment, the right tools, and support to build rituals that truly transform your life. Are you ready to make yourself a priority and unlock the magical ripple effect? Now is the time to invest in yourself. Join me on a journey to reclaim your energy, your focus, and your power.
Whether you’re looking for one to one support, a fast-track VIP day, or ongoing guidance through my membership programs, there’s a path to suit your needs and help you achieve your desired outcomes. 4 Work with me and start experiencing the transformation you deserve. 1 to 1 Transformational Programme - A 12 week journey to create powerful tools and strategies that move you forward, unlocking the best version of yourself. VIP Days - A 6 hour deep dive where we break through the barriers holding you back, and fast track your self belief, and strategies for success. Memberships - These are designed to keep you focused and aligned, with daily reminders, gratitude practices, and a community to celebrate your wins and support your growth. It’s your time. Start creating the life you’ve been waiting for, one where you come first, and the ripple effect transforms everything around you.
If you need me, you can find me here: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TransformationalMentorReikiMasterGlobalTeacher Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hayley_wellness_success_mentor Final thought 💭 “Do something everyday that makes you happy” Love and happiness always, Hayley 🦋✨💛