The Importance of Self-Care

What self-care means for each woman can vary. We all need and require different levels of care and nurturing for our minds and bodies.  For some, this could be as simple as brushing one’s teeth or doing one’s hair.   It could be taking luxurious spa baths or getting regular mani and pedis.   For others, it could be taking solo trips into undiscovered territory, which is my personal favorite.  As an introvert, I need to be able to spend lots of time alone recuperating from the masses of energy lost when interacting with others.  I like to spend this time exploring.  Self-care can also include journaling, meditation, yoga, going to therapy, and more.  Some of us just need to dance it all out.

Self-care is not selfish, even though some people may not understand your need or desire for it.  There is nothing wrong all with filling your cup so that you can continue to help and take care of others.  In fact, it is needed.  How can you use energy to take care of someone else, when you don’t even have it to give to yourself.  Taking care of yourself so that you are your best self, is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to yourself.  Just like when you’re flying on a plane and the stewardess tells you to give oxygen to yourself first before you render aid to anyone else, it’s the same theory.  Self-care is a very active and powerful choice to treat yourself the same way that you treat others.  It is the ultimate display of love for oneself.

“Every woman who heals herself helps heal all the women who came before her, and all those who come after her”. -Christiane Northrup

 

There are 5 major areas of self-care:  physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. Each of these addresses a specific need.  Even the way we care for our selves by being financially responsible can be considered self-care.

1. Cover the Basics

Eat right, exercise, and get enough rest – we hear it all the time for good reason!  These are the basics that our bodies and minds need to thrive.  I know that it’s easy to do, but don’t take these for granted.  Making even small changes in these areas will increase your energy levels and ability to focus.  

2. Schedule in “Me Time” Every Day

Me time is essential for all humans, espeically women since we often juggle multiple hats. Learning how to slow down and recharge may take some time, but the benefits are well worth it.  Try meditating, sitting quietly, or taking a peaceful walk by yourself.  It could as simple as taking a hot bubble bath, coloring in a new mandala coloring book,  or spending 30 minutes before bed reading an interesting book.  This should be a daily practice or habit.   Feel free to start small – just 5 minutes a day will make a difference – and increase your downtime as the practice becomes more comfortable.

3. Acknowledge and Address Your Mental Health

Everyone should try therapy at least once in their life.  Practioners offer their services in a variety of ways including weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.  Some offer less frequent sessions.  Some even offer sessions online through apps such as DoctorOnDemand or Amwell.  When choosing a therapist, make sure that they are certified and that you feel comfortable with them.  If therapy is not your cup of tea, look for other ways in which you can unload all of your thoughts and feelings.  For some people, journaling daily may be enough.  Yoga or HIIT may be theraputic for some.   Some women, such as myself, take comfort in using their hands.  I love to knit, color, and paint.  Choose whatever floats your boat and make it a regular  habit. The extra effort that is sometimes required is worth the stress and frustration that you save yourself in the end. You can also use these in conjuction with therapy.  

4. Indulge in Your Passions

Life should be about more than to-do lists! Do you have something that you’ve always dreamed about?  Participating in a marathon?  Trying rock climbing for the first time?  Taking an international backpacking trip?  RVing across the continent?  Or starting a business?   Schedule in regular time to indulge in the activities that you are passionate about.  It will help keep you happy, positive, and motivated!  And you deserve it!

5. Surround Yourself with Happy & Helpful People

One of the best ways to stay happy and positive is to surround yourself with others who are happy and positive and actively seek these things out.  Energy is infectious, and we absorb others’ positive energy just as easily as we absorb others’ negative energy.  When the people aroind you are toxic, it eventally seeps into your life as well.  You’ll notice that you feel boggled down, that you’re complaining alot, or maybe even showing pettiness or meaness towards others.  That type of behavor is healthy for no one.  Surround yourself with people who will see the good in you, instead of those who are overly critical or quick to point out your challenges.

6. Don’t Tolerate Things or Situations that You Don’t Have To

Things like bad relationships, undesirable living spaces, or unfulfilling jobs seem easier to tolerate than to change.  It’s difficult to be happy and healthy when life is full of things you tolerate, instead of things you love.  If it weighs you done, release it so that you can soar.  

Check out some of these awesome videos on self-care from Ted Talks.