Self-care is a buzz term that seems to be everywhere these days – but what does it really mean? What Norsewood dairy farmer, mum of three and holistic health coach Charlotte Heald doesn’t know about putting yourself first probably isn’t worth knowing.
Charlotte’s own battle with rheumatoid arthritis and her single-minded determination to heal and get back to doing the things she loves is truly inspirational (and I don’t use that term lightly here).
A former nurse and certified health coach, Charlotte is all about helping rural women create empowered, sustainable lifestyles - and that’s something I can 100% get on board with.
I wanted to pick Charlotte’s brain on what self-care looks like, how we can live a happier, healthier life, and what she’s learned along the way.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Empowered, passionate, empathetic.
Was there a ‘lightbulb’ moment for you? When I was diagnosed with an auto immune disease (rheumatoid arthritis) and I was like ‘this is not my future’. I was going to find a way to heal my body. Now, I don’t buy into the label. Conventional medicine would say that I’ll have it (rheumatoid arthritis) for the rest of my life, but I don’t identify with that, it doesn’t support me to go down that road. I identify as someone who is fit, strong and healthy.
What is self-care? For me, it’s mindfully taking time to prioritise your own care, for your best health and wellbeing.
What are some simple ways we can all practice self-care? I have a top six, which are;
· Sleep – our bodies need time for rest and repair. No amount of coffee can make up for poor sleep!
· Nourish your body with a range of nutrient-dense whole foods.
· Positive self-talk and affirmations. Stop and think how you are talking to yourself – would you talk to your best friend that way? The affirmation ‘I am fit, strong and healthy’ has got me so far in my healing journey.
· Hydration – drinking more water is one of the single biggest things we can do to improve our health.
· Quiet time – meditation, silence, making quiet time a priority. Life is so busy, it’s important to take time to be quiet with ourselves and restore peace. We can also gain clarity and reduce stress through quiet time.
· Move your body. Find something you enjoy, not the next craze, but something that feels good and you enjoy doing because you want to – not because you have to.
Best advice you have ever received? Let it be easy. Often we get into overthinking and make life hard for ourselves. Stop and think, how can I let this be easy? It’s easier said than done, but it becomes a habit – choose easy.
Favourite quote? From Lisa O’Neil at the beginning of my self-care journey: “If you are going to come anywhere but last, you need to put yourself first”.
What are you listening to? For running and exercising, a 80s playlist, love a bit of Dangerzone! Otherwise, I’ve been listening to audio books when I’m driving as a way to utilise time. At the moment I’m listening to one called ‘Lucky Bitch’ about your money mind-set. Another one on this topic that is amazing is ‘You are a Badass at Making Money’. I’m also a massive fan of the Jim Fortin podcast, and have been part of his transformational coaching programme for over a year.
Any daily routines that are non-negotiable for you? I’ve always been a morning person but lately I’ve started getting up even earlier, 5.30am, to do the things I want to do for myself – it could be meditation, self-hypnosis, journaling, reflection or affirmations. I like to do that before anyone else gets up. Sometimes I put my head torch on and go for a run in the dark, because I can. Nutrients are another non-negotiable - I have to have at least two serves of greens daily.
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