Redefining Self Care

0

Self care is not always defined the same way by different people. Most everyone agrees that self care is to actively improve one’s physical or emotional well being. Caring for ourselves is necessary as our lives grow busier and more complicated. Carving out time for ourselves isn’t easy. However, we must be self-important when it comes to self care. Heck, if cauliflower can become pizza, we can do anything.

Self care isn’t just about pedicures and bubble baths.

Far from it. However, plenty of people like to unwind using these strategies. Thread bare mothers come home from their pedicures. I agree, their freshly painted toes are fabulous. Nonetheless, painted toes haven’t allowed them to fully recharge. In addition, caring for yourself isn’t only about indulgences. We all owe ourselves the love that we so freely give to others. 

Self care is a lifestyle.

A self care lifestyle includes caregivers actively improving themselves. These days everyone is focused on acting fierce, being busy, and staying focused. Meanwhile, I’m searching for the humans that believe in compassion, love and human connection. The type of people who know that nurturing their own spirit, is just as important as nurturing others. These glorious individuals are my village. We redefine self care every day. Take time to rest and recover. Step back and allow those moments to add energy and creativity back into your daily practice.  

I carry the burden of an autoimmune disorder. Yet, my disorder forces me to listen to my body. Self care doesn’t represent “me first”. Instead it acknowledges  a “me too” belief. Recognizing my physical limits has taught me to use self care as a tool to ensure my best health.

feet outside car window

Self love should start with the caregiver reflecting on what brings them happiness and joy. Next, tell your inner critic to sit down and be quiet. Life is too short to spend it at war with yourself. 

Joy is an important part of recharging your inner self.

For some this may be an activity or hobby that has long since been put on the back burner. For me, it includes a variety of components.  Having mindful structure, and instituting general proactivity are important to me. Meal planning is a form of self care. In addition, I find organized living spaces calming. I am always in a cycle of organizing closets and reducing clutter. Making time for eliminating paper is also part of being proactive.

Being aware of nutrition, and staying hydrated are all self care strategies. In addition, I make time to exercise.

I also make time for cheesecake, but that is a post for another day.

Self care should be periodically redefined by all of us.

  • Are your needs being met?
  • What could you do differently?
  • What do you really need to feel recharged?
  • Need a makeover for your mood? A 30 day Mental Health Challenge might be in order. 

I am a work in progress. Yet, I am getting better at making myself a priority. I ask my inner voice to speak to me the way it would speak to someone I love. Parenting isn’t about whether the glass is half full or half empty. Instead acknowledging that the glass is refillable. Then taking the steps to ensure it is refilled.