Guest post by Andrea Costantine, andreacostantine.com

It is important to give ourselves the space and permission to take a break, step back, and unwind. Here are five easy ways that you can practice self-care starting today.

1. Turn off email, phones, and other devices. I have realized more and more how these things are such a distraction and all too often create extra chaos and stress in our day to day lives. Limit phone calls and email time and systematize where possible. Leave the black(crack)berry at home, stop playing on the iPhone, and get present.

2. Take a brisk 20 minute walk. Walking has been my solution to many problems; I find that even a short walk can really change my perspective on a situation. Be sure to try new walking paths for an even greater perspective change.

3. Say “no” to what doesn’t serve you. If you are like me, you are a people-pleaser and it’s hard to say no, but when we over-commit to other people, obligations, projects, or clients that don’t serve us we can become resentful. Make a habit of taking a day or two to think things over to assess if the commitment is right for you.

4. Give Yourself a Break. I am not talking about a break from work, what I am talking about is a break from beating yourself up. Pushing yourself through deadlines, working extra hours, and burning yourself out serves no one. Go easy on yourself, if you aren’t nice to yourself who will be? You’ll never have everything done, and perfect doesn’t exist.

5. Passion, Hobbies, Nature. What do you love but don’t allow yourself to indulge in? Whatever “it” is – go do that. For me, I rarely allow enough time to get into the mountains for some hiking, even worse; I skip out on painting and being creative which I love. Spend some time working on your hobby and your passions (outside of work) and find that you’ll be easily rejuvenated.

For women, this is even more important, as we go through life feeling the need to take care of everyone else, it is critical that we take care of ourselves first .

Andrea Costantine is the ConsciousPreneur Connection Specialist, providing powerful resources to help entrepreneurs easily and effortlessly grow their business. Visit http://www.andreacostantine.com for your free ConsciousPreneur Kit.