Self Care 101
Self Care Blog:
Self care has become such a buzzword in today’s society- but what is it really? Self care is often confused with physical hygiene. Did you brush your teeth and shower today? Is that self care? Well, it certainly is physical care.
So, what does it really mean to have good self care practices? One way we like to think of self care is that it means to have good hygiene for your mind. Is what I’m doing filling my energy cup, bringing me inner peace and happiness? Sometimes self care can overlap with physical hygiene. When we look good, we feel good. Sometimes self care might look like other things- doing a puzzle, going for a walk, binge watching a cooking show. All of these things are also self care!
Examples of self care activities include:
Going on a walk
Going on a run
Going out with friends
Journaling
Cooking
Drawing
Reading
Watching TV
Meditation (See my Guided Meditation Blog!)
Taking a bath
But what happens when we don't have an hour in our day, or even in our week to go to the gym or put on Cutthroat Kitchen? What then? Another common misconception is that self care must be an activity and that it must be something that takes up time. However, self care doesn't have to be big! Self care can be as simple as using a special soap in your morning shower, putting on your favorite music and having a dance party in the car, or trying a new flavor coffee cream. When we assign intention to our actions, they become meaningful. If we make small changes in our daily life, with the intention of being kind to ourselves; That is Self Care! Small actions can lead to big changes in how we feel.
Examples of Self Care Moments:
Listening to your favorite song
Doing a breathing exercise
Doing some light stretching
Using a new scented lotion or soap
Trying a new food or drink
Dancing
Noticing three things you are grateful for
Wearing a favorite outfit
Spending time with an animal
Making or eating a favorite food or drink
Having a combination of self care activities, and self care moments is important. Sometimes life will allow self care activities- and that is great- but sometimes, life does not allow enough time for activities, and that is okay too. That is when those little moments come in handy. By having a combination of the two, we can ensure that we are always staying refreshed, recharged and ready to take on whatever life throws our way. Good Luck and Good Self Care!