The term “self-care” has become synonymous with $5 lattes and sparkly unicorn bath bombs, but self-care is actually much deeper than that. Self-care is an integral part of ones mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing.
Self-care is far from a selfish act.You owe it to not just yourself but the people around you to be the best version of yourself that you can be. We live in a society where altruism is sometimes equated to neglecting ones needs, which can actually be quite a selfish thing to do in the long run. If you are a parent and you allow yourself to become burnt out and run down, then it’s not just you but your children that suffer as well. When you find yourself becoming burnt out, be sure to take the time to care for your own basic needs. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, and finding time to engage in activities that bring you joy.
Self-care also means tacking the issues you face head-on so that they no longer weigh on your spirit. Whether it’s as small as a dirty sink, or as big as a career change, you owe it to yourself to tackle these projects so that you can see their completion with a sense of pride, rather than the lack of achievement you once felt when you may have thought of these tasks as insurmountable. Sometimes we don’t even realize how much certain tasks weigh on us until we feel the sense of relief that comes with completing it.
It is important to also set boundaries with yourself and the people in your life to prevent yourself from becoming worn down. You may be one of those people to give someone the shirt off your back if asked, but do you really want to walk around shirtless? In the end, each person must take responsibility for their own life and choices. Therefore, it is your responsibility to only extend yourself as far as you are truly comfortable, and not just because someone needs you to. Self-care means saying no when you know that what you are being asked to do is jeopardizing your mental or physical health.
Self-care can also be small treats for yourself. Little things that bring you joy like new plant, a candle, or a small investment into your favorite hobby. You can even go ahead and splurge on that sparkly unicorn bath bomb if you need to. No judgment here.
