By Definition : Self-Care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it's a simple concept in theory, it's something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. (Google,2020)
Do we truly think about self-care? Do we truly think about whats out there? Products, information, tutorials and all that other content to keep us looking and feeling our best? Well if you haven't before then you should surely start. Self-care is well more than image control and looking pretty. Self-care is about feeling great each and everyday because you've prioritized your time to spend some of it on yourself. And that IS NOT selfish. That's self-care.
When was the last time you had time to yourself? When was the last time you were able to put your phone away and know that everything and everyone has been taken care of and you can really relax? I know for me personally, that's not always my reality. If it's not one thing it's another. Below I listed 5 things that I do in the name of SELF-CARE.
1. Mind my Business
Yes, I mind my business in the name of self-care. Sometimes we can find ourselves putting other peoples problems on our back as if they are our own. Sometimes it's justified and sometimes it's doing too much. You have to know what you have time for and the situations you can truly handle. I am not saying don't help a family or friend in need but knowing that you can not help everyone is okay. Learning to say no to things that make you uncomfortable is okay. Doing what is best for you, is okay. It's not selfish, it's self-care. I never wanted someone to be mad at me because I said no to a favor but really most people have an okay time with taking NO for an answer. We have to be more comfortable declining offers from friends and family for our own mental health.
2. Exercising/Visiting the gym frequently.
Working my body out has always been important to me. Going to the gym has always been my zen time because I love to swim and get in the jacuzzi. Visiting the gym is always relaxing for me but depending on how busy my day is or even my night, I may not get the chance to visit as often as I would like. Personally, I would be pleased to go to the gym at least 4 times a week but I would need at least 3 hours to relax while I am there. I hate to feel like I am rushed at the gym. I love to do cardio and listen to all of my playlists. I would rather leave because I felt lazy than to leave because I ran out of time. I don't always work out when I go to the gym. Sometimes I just relax in the jacuzzi, steam room and the sauna. The jacuzzi is especially nice after a long day of doing services to relax my muscles and have the jets massage my back. I always feel great leaving the gym.
3. Eating Fruits and Vegetables.
I know this seems so simple but when I was younger we always had fruits on the table and vegetables with every meal. Now, not so much. Not too long ago I was thinking, hmm when was the last time I had some vegetables. I really couldn't think of when it was and I was instantly disgusted with my eating habits. I allowed life to get me so off balance that I found myself eating out pretty much everyday. Now I vow to eat as many fruits and veggies as I can per day. Right now my favorites are carrots, and all fruits blended into a smoothie with some almond milk and some honey!
4. Manicure and Pedicure at a Spa.
The reason why I said at a spa is because of course some of us can do our own nails but I go to the spa so I can be the one to relax and have someone else take care of me.
5. Get Rid of things I do not Use or Wear.
I used to have so many clothes, so many bags, so much make up, so much of everything. I loved having so much stuff but as I grew busier I realized that having the items that I use and that I like is more important than having an abundance of stuff. Donating and giving away the stuff that I do not use brings me a form of clarity and comfort. I feel like I am able to relax in an organized space with only things I like and use. This may be different for everyone but try to organize and declutter when you can.
Other things you can do are: Read, Shop, meditate, yoga, iron clothes before the week starts, clean home on a certain day of week, get hair styled on certain ay of week, meal prep, listen to music, light candles, bubble bath, dance, go on a walk at a park, hike, or anything else that brings you joy! Try doing things alone! Get a nice pair of headphones and make a playlist of your favorite songs.
