There are a lot of misconceptions about what self-care is and what it isn't. Some think it's lighting candles and putting on a face mask in a bubble bath - and it can be. Other times, self-care is pulling yourself out of bed to complete that daunting task you've been procrastinating.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care is an activity you have to decide to do consciously. It's the act of maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health. It sounds simple, right? Sound is the keyword because it can become a pesky task you push to the bottom of the list when life becomes chaotic. However, self-care is the key to overall good health - a better mindset and an anxiety reduction.
So, What Isn't Self-Care?
It isn't a selfish act, but quite the opposite. Self-care refuels your soul. When you take the time to care for yourself, you're tuning into yourself. Not only are you bettering your health and relationship with the self, but you'll be improving your relationship with others.
You can enhance your relationships and improve your communication skills with others because you know what you need and how you need it.
But Why Is It Important?
Self-care is essential because you know your worth. It allows you to have better stress management. Above all, you live. It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day chaos of modern living. We're all looking down at our phones, and technology is constantly around us. We wake up to our phone blaring in the morning - our life revolves around technology.
Self-care allows you to slow down, breathe, be present, and listen to your body. So, put the phone down and open up that book that's been sitting on your bookshelf for a year that you keep telling yourself you'll read when life slows down. Life will never slow down enough, and it will never be the right time for anything - so do it right now.
4 Self-Care Activities
Sleep: Attempt to get enough sleep and know how to rest.
Eat: Make sure you're eating the foods that give you the proper nutrients to fuel your body. Don't be afraid to indulge in some of your favorite foods.
Date Yourself: If you date other people to get to know and love them, then why not do it for yourself? Take yourself to that restaurant you've wanted to try or that movie you've been dying to see. Go by yourself. Don't wait for others to live your life.
Relax During the Day: If you get overwhelmed during the day, recognize that and don't push it away - it only makes it worse, trust me. When I get overwhelmed in class, at work, or anywhere, I either excuse myself if I can or take a few seconds to close my eyes, inhale for 10 seconds, hold it, and exhale for 10 seconds. It makes me feel more grounded and clears my mind a bit more.
You cannot pour from an empty cup, and I need to remind myself of it almost daily. This is the start of documenting my journey with self-care - self-love and raw beauty - and I hope you found this helpful. Be sure to come back next Friday for another post!