Importance of Self-Care

Self-Care has never been more important than it is right now. The exasperation, anxiety, and worry many seem to be under right now is great. This is evident from the rise in alcohol and substance use as well as domestic violence. From the pressures of modern technology, careers, working from home, homeschooling, and not to forget political tensions and a pandemic, many have little time, space or resources, to do anything for self-care.

Me first

Self-care is often neglected in everyday lives. Many tend to put others needs first. Remember the words of the friendly flight attendant? “Put your mask on first before you help someone else with theirs.”  Let me put this another way: we cannot fill another’s cup from our own empty vessel. Take some time for yourself first; there will be none left over at the end of the day, and you will be too tired.  Depleted, you are left with feelings of resentment, frustration, and anger are soon to follow and projected on to others.

What is self-care

While getting a massage or taking a nature walk are nice examples of taking time for our well-being, self-care can be more than that. Self-care is really just about becoming an advocate for yourself.  Self-care is about paying attention to you, your body, and your emotions.  It is allowing yourself time to check-in and listen to your body.  It is about setting healthy boundaries and practicing clear and direct communication.  Given the space, you can learn to appreciate and love yourself and live your life with guilt-free joy.  

Self-care is important

Self-care is something that everyone can benefit from practicing on a daily basis. True self-care is not self-centered nor selfish; it is simply allowing yourself the care, time, and space to properly recharge your batteries, and show yourself some love. It is just as important as brushing your teeth. 

Self-care challenge

Use this month to make self-care a part of your daily routine and practice being good to yourself. It can be as simple as a conscious breathe in the morning or as luxurious as time away from the pressures of everyday life. It could be going to be earlier, cooking a nutritious meal, calling a friend, attending a yoga class, or carving out 15 minutes out of your day for a mindful cup of tea. With lower personal stress levels and improved health, the kindness we show towards ourselves will manifest into a kinder world.

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