What is self care?
You might have heard the term “self-care” thrown around a lot lately. For some of you it’s a normal and everyday part of your vocabulary and daily routine. For others it might sound wishy washy, selfish, and a waste of time.
At Truehope we believe self care is an essential part of a holistic approach to maintaining our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Self care is choosing to do the hard thing that’s good for you, rather than taking the easy option that isn’t. Doing small things (and even big things) to fill your cup not only supports our personal health, but allows us to be there fully for the people and causes we love.
Regardless of what you think of self care, you’re most likely already covering some of the basics! Self care really becomes impactful in your life when you can practice being mindful,and noticing what you need to take better care of yourself.
Here are some examples:
- Learning how to saying “no” rather than feeling obliged to do things you don’t really want to do. It’s a powerful word, but it takes some practice!
- If you feel like you’re getting sick, take the afternoon to lie down, relax, and take some immuno-supportive supplements to give your body a good chance to fight it.
- Don’t spend time with people you don’t really like.
- Notice negative self talk, are you saying things, or have expectations of yourself that you would never say or reasonably expect from anyone else?
- Take the pressure off and go back to being a beginner by signing up for a class.
- Commit to time to recharge yourself – whether that be in nature, with a group of friends, or on your own.
- Know yourself, are you an introvert, an extrovert, or someone inbetween? Knowing things like this allows you to take better care of yourself.
- Drink more water.
- Eat more vegetables.
- Commit to getting more sleep.
We often think of facials and vacations when we first thing of self care, but it isn’t necessarily what feels good in the moment, rather self care is what will benefit you in the long term. It might mean you decide to leave a job that is exhausting you and keeping you away from your family. It might mean making difficult decisions like asking your spouse to join you in couples counselling, or setting boundaries and reluctantly taking a step away from a friend for a while.
Stop and notice, what do you need right now? What would make this moment better for you? It might be a large drink of water, some quiet time to concentrate, or a difficult conversation with a friend. Whatever it is, it’s self care and it’s never selfish.