I have always been intrigued by how easy it is to use a car as a metaphor for explaining the importance of self-care. After all, because our cars are so important to our quality of life we take good care of them. Doesn't the vehicle that transports us through life deserve the same? Consider these:

A car engine that's well tuned operates at peak efficiency. If your body is tuned up with exercise, your metabolism will be in top form and you will get peak performance from your body.

You use high quality products to fuel your engine to assure a smoother ride. You'll get a smoother ride from your body when your diet has more nutrient dense vitamin and mineral filled calories and less empty fat and sugar filled calories.

Your car's radiator must have enough water to prevent overheating. When the water levels are low you add this important coolant. Water is integral to life. Drinking water, juice, milk and watery foods keeps you from overheating.

When the battery in our car runs low, we recharge it. When we are low on energy sleep, time for self-reflection and recreation can recharge our body and mind.

Your car runs best when there is proper pressure in the tires. Living life so the pressures of work and home don't become overwhelming keeps us on an even keel.

The tires on your car must be balanced. So must your life. Like a car, a life out of balance can predispose you to physical, mental and emotional danger.

You must limit the weight and passengers in your car to a level it can handle. Keeping your weight at a healthy level is important too.

You have to keep your car clean and protected from the elements to assure it doesn't rust and decay. Bathing, brushing, flossing and protecting your skin from the sun assures you stay healthy too.

If you want your car dealer to fulfill promises for a warranty you must comply with regular maintenance schedules. You are more likely to get a lifetime warranty when your life includes periodic evaluation of goals and objectives.

You wouldn't take a long journey without a map and a plan. Life works best when we have short and long range goals and objectives and a plan to get us where we want to go.

If you want to learn more about the operation of your car you read the owner's manual and books that can teach you as much as you want or need to know. Sadly, humans don't come with an owner's manual, but there is ample information to learn more about how our body works and the lifestyle changes that can support lifetime peak performance.

If your car isn't running well you take it in for a checkup. When problems are revealed you fix them right away. If you aren't feeling up to par, a checkup can allay any fears and if there is a problem you can take care of it right away.

I could go on and on. Instead, this week I encourage you to pay attention to the parallels between your life and your car. Remember that it is often easy to repair and replace damaged parts on our car. That's not always the case with our body. If you find your self-care is lacking, get back on track. Realign your priorities. If you park them in the right place you can care for your body as carefully as you care for your car. You will discover it is worth the effort.