You’ve probably heard the term “self-care” used a lot lately. It’s become a popular buzzword in the media and in personal development circles. However, you still may be unclear on what it means. While the concept does involve taking care of yourself, it actually goes much deeper. Read on to learn what self-care is, why it matters and how to get started doing it.
About Self-Care
Self-care covers a lot of areas with regard to caring for yourself. It involves nurturing your body, mind and spirit. It focuses on building yourself up so that your internal resources don’t become depleted. Essentially, self-care is being as good to yourself as you would be to someone you care about. It requires you to show yourself some compassion and encourages you to be vulnerable with others, asking for help you when you need it. What doesn’t fall under the umbrella of self-care are things that we use to "numb out" rather than pay attention to what our bodies need. Activities such as over-eating, drinking, scrolling social media or binge watching TV can be relaxing, but when we use them to numb how we feel, we rarely feel good afterward. These things only make you feel good in the short-term.
The Benefits of Self-Care
There are lots of benefits to practicing self-care. Embracing this concept can be difficult for those who’ve always placed emphasis on the welfare of others. However, giving all your energy to those around you without filling your own cup leaves you depleted and empty. That’s no way to live. Instead, spending time and effort on yourself rejuvenates and energizes you. Taking time to indulge in your own interests demonstrates your worth, leading to improved self-esteem and a more positive outlook on the world. It teaches you a lot about yourself and provides you with insight into what you need to be the best version of yourself. Self-care helps you better cope with stress and to prioritize what’s important to you. You’ll be better able to take care of others when you also take time to meet your own needs. Self-care helps us rediscover ourselves, our likes, values, and passion.
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Examples of Self-Care
There are countless ways to add self-care into your routine. The key is to choose activities that are most enjoyable to you and provide you with the most benefits. Going for a walk in nature is great for those who enjoy the outdoors. Other forms of exercise like yoga, running or going to the gym CAN BE self-care, too, but only if they feel enjoyable and not like a chore. Spending time with friends can be rejuvenating, but so can saying no. Allowing yourself to decline invitations and when you’re feeling run-down is a big part of caring for yourself. Treating yourself to a favorite, affordable indulgence like a movie, manicure or ice cream cone are all good examples. As is taking a bath or meditating. These are just a few of the ways you can easily incorporate self-care into your life.
The key with self-care comes down to intention. Your intention with self-care should always be to create a loving experience for yourself. Working out because you ate too much at a Super Bowl party and you feel fat is NOT self-care. Getting your nails done because you feel like you have to look professional at work is NOT self-care. Eating ice cream because you are trying to numb out your anxiety is NOT self- care.
However, going for a walk or run because you always feel better when you move, and because it relaxes you to be out of the house IS self-care. Getting your nails done because it makes you feel pretty and brings you joy IS self-care. Eating ice cream because it sounds like a delicious, indulgent treat IS self-care. See the difference?
Now you know what self-care is and why it’s important. You’ve also got some ideas of how to get started, so you’re well on your way to adding this useful practice to your life.
Great blog post to kick off the 7-day challenge Sally. Self-care seems like a simple enough term but like you said, it encompasses a much larger meaning. Self-care is not static, it's fluid and it doesn't occur on one plane rather it's three-dimensional and encourages us to nurture our body, our mind and our spirit simultaneously. I've been told I'm a great friend who offers insight, support, and encouragement and who shares my time, my space and my energy with people I love and respect. However, I am learning that growing up and as a young adult, I ignored the "self" in self-care and tended to have double standards for those I care about and myself. Now as an adul…