Sometimes I feel like peoples eyes glaze over when I start talking about self-care nowadays.
I am talking a lot about self-care and all the different ways we can show up for ourselves because it has helped me to heal parts of myself and keeps me on track.
Self-care has become a buzzword in recent years, and with good reason. It's important to take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally in order to maintain optimal wellbeing. However, sometimes self-care can start to feel like just another chore.
There are a few reasons why this might happen. First, self-care can be time-consuming. It takes effort to make time for activities that are good for us, especially when we're already busy with work, family, and other obligations. Second, self-care can be expensive. Going to the spa, getting a massage, or taking a yoga class can all be costly. Finally, self-care can be challenging. Sometimes it's hard to make ourselves do things that we know are good for us, even when we really want to.
If self-care is starting to feel like just another chore, there are a few things you can do to make it more enjoyable and sustainable.
Start by identifying what self-care activities actually make you feel good. For some people, it might be taking a long bath, reading a book, or spending time in nature. For others, it might be going for a walk, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones. Once you know what activities you enjoy, make a plan to incorporate them into your routine on a regular basis.
Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different self-care activities out there, so don't be afraid to try new things until you find what works for you. And don't be afraid to give yourself a break if you're not feeling up to it one day.
Remember that self-care is not about perfection. It's about doing what you can to take care of yourself, even when it's hard. So don't beat yourself up if you don't always make time for self-care. Just keep trying, and eventually you'll find a routine that works for you.
It is also important to pay attention to what you “go to” is. If you keep doing the same thing over and over, like for example exercising. It might become a less effective coping strategy. It is important to switch it up. Look up the healthy mind platter!
Here are some other tips for making self-care more enjoyable:
Start small. Don't try to do too much at once. Just commit to doing one small thing for yourself each day. It can be as small as remembering to drink a glass of water in the morning.
Make it social. Invite a friend or family member to join you for a walk, yoga class, or other self-care activity. Having someone to support you can make it easier to stick to your self-care routine.
Get creative. Find ways to make self-care fun and relaxing, such as taking a bubble bath with essential oils, listening to calming music, or reading a book in a cosy spot.
Make it a priority. Schedule time for self-care in your calendar just like you would any other important appointment.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're struggling to make time for self-care, talk to a friend, family member, or counsellor for support.
Self-care is an important part of maintaining our physical, emotional, and mental health. By making it enjoyable and sustainable, we can reap the benefits of self-care for years to come.
Here are some additional thoughts on the topic:
The definition of self-care has become increasingly broad in recent years. It can now encompass anything from getting a massage to taking a social media break. This can make it difficult to know where to start or how to prioritize self-care.
The pressure to practice self-care can also be overwhelming. We are constantly bombarded with messages about the importance of taking care of ourselves, but it can be hard to find the time and resources to do so.
Ultimately, self-care is about finding what works for you and making it a regular part of your life. It doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Even small acts of self-care can make a big difference.
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