Written by Ann Girling
This article has two aims: to share some tips for simple self-care strategies and also give you an insight into the network marketing industry. Before I start, let me share a couple of sentences about me. My name is Ann, I’m a 76-year-old wife, mum, grandma and business owner, and I love what I do.
I have over 50 years of experience in the health and wellbeing sector, including 30 years as a nurse and health visitor in the NHS. During my time in the NHS, I met a lot of adoptive parents and, honestly, I have huge admiration for what you do. For the last 14 years or so, I’ve run a health and wellbeing business with a company called Arbonne, where I have learnt more about self-care than ever before and discovered just how brilliant the network marketing industry is.
What is self-care?
Parenting doesn’t allow much time for ourselves, and often, with adopted children, even less, due to often complex needs which can be challenging. But, without caring for ourselves, we really can’t give to others. I believe self-care is about creating some daily habits that you can implement into pockets of time.
21st-century living is stressful, due to, for example, time and work deadlines, smartphone notifications, and children’s tantrums; the list is endless. Our bodies are in a constant state of stress, which is not good for our health, so intentionally introducing small pockets of self-care really can make a difference.
Here are six simple self-care tips that can make a big difference:
Focus on your breath
Breathe in for five and breathe out for six through your mouth. It’s something you can do anytime you feel stressed, which will calm you down quickly.
Get outside
Get outside in the fresh air and into nature. If you can, build in regular walks, even if it’s just 10 minutes around the block. If that’s not possible, just go outside and breathe and appreciate the silence. Even 5 minutes will make a difference.
Self-care for busy parents: Keep hydrated
Make sure you are drinking 2-3 litres a day. A dehydrated body is a stressed body, and it will wilt like a plant; we all need energy, and keeping hydrated helps to give us that.
Prioritise sleep
Sleep is one of the most important things you can do because it’s at night that your body repairs itself. If sleep is a problem for you, create a bedtime ritual which includes turning off all electronic devices at least 90 minutes before bed and cutting out any evening snacks. Maybe have a cup of herbal tea and/or a read so your body starts to know bedtime is coming.
Time for you
Find time, if only a few minutes, when you can make a cup of tea and sit down with a book or listen to music or whatever you love. It may be sewing, drawing, or anything creative. Start in a small way and build up to longer periods of time.
Gratitude
And finally, and most importantly, take time in the day to write down 3 things you’re grateful for. They can be the smallest of small things, but honestly, it really helps your mindset by doing that. Life seems better.
What is network marketing?
Now I’m going to move on to the network marketing industry. It’s a genius business model because it’s not dependent on your time to earn money. Adopting can incur extra expenses, and at the same time, you may have to consider giving up work or working part-time to give your children the time they need.
Network marketing allows you to build an income, working flexibly around your other commitments. You are your own boss, and you decide your working hours. Start-up fees are usually small (in my Arbonne it’s only £50 plus an investment in products), you get your website, marketing materials, product development, initial training and much, much more; compared to traditional businesses, it’s a very low start-up.
So this is how it works: I have a virtual shop which is open 24/7 in all the markets the company operates in and, every time someone shops there, I earn commission whether I’m involved in the actual sale or not. I also teach others to do the same, and I get rewarded when they sell products too. It’s like a thank you from the company. The income-earning opportunity is uncapped, so it has the potential to change lives.
On top of that, there’s a positive community to be part of, and everyone supports each other. I need never be alone.
Tips for finding the right one for you
If you think you might be interested in going down this route, do your research. See what’s out there in the marketplace and make sure they are well-established companies. Check out the compensation plan – does it make sense, does it seem fair? And what about the company values? Are they aligned with your own? And do the products interest you?
I love this business model and see it as something that I can do as long as I want to. It also allows me to contribute to helping others and bring in income to the family. More than one income stream is really needed in this day and age.
I hope you’ve found that helpful. This is a very brief overview, so do reach out to me if you have any questions. You can find out all about my work from my website, or come and say hello on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
And it just leaves me to wish you all the best of luck with whatever you’re doing and decide to do in the future. With love x
Ann Girling
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