We are constantly bombarded with reminders of self-care. But what is self-care? It may not be what you think...
There's often a misconception that self-care is "doing what I want" or "taking a break from reality." When we enter self-care with this mindset, we end up checking out or distracting ourselves with things that give us very little (if any) meaning and purpose. This is not self-care.
Self-care is the intentional act of taking care of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Think about the times when you've been asked to take care of another person. You spend time with them, you attend to their needs. You give them hope and encouragement and you strengthen their spirit. We must do the same with ourselves.
Self-care is not filling ourselves up with empty calories or meaningless scrolling or mind-numbing binge-watching sessions.
Self-care is taking the time to sit with ourselves, asking ourselves what we need, and then actively and intentionally making provisions to get our needs met. Self-care is seeing ourselves worthy of love, time, and attention. Self-care starts in the silence of getting to know ourselves and honoring the whole, unique, beautiful person that we are.
If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed or just want a self-care "tune-up" try this 5 minute exercise:
Sit alone in silence at the end of the day for 5 minutes. Make sure to have distractions turned off and out of reach.
Spend the first minute focusing on deep breathing and relaxing.
Spend the second minute being kind to yourself, telling yourself what you did well today and reminding yourself of all the ways you loved yourself today. Maybe you took an actual lunch break away from your desk today or took the time to do something you have been putting off like cutting your nails or getting your hair cut. These might seem small and trivial, but it is important to recognize the times when we do love ourselves and take care of our needs.
Spend the third minute asking yourself what are 1 or 2 things you need most in that moment. Maybe you need a glass of water, or to schedule an appointment for a physical, or a heating pad on your back. Maybe you need to reconnect with nature or to check in with a family member. Make a firm and realistic resolution to meet those 1 or 2 needs as soon as possible.
Spend the fourth minute filling yourself up with positive messages and affirmations such as "I am worthy of love" and "I am capable" and "It's okay to put my needs first sometimes."
Spend the fifth minute focusing on breathing and relaxing again. Remind yourself of the firm resolution you have made to get your needs met.
Leave a comment with how the exercise worked for you! Weren't able to get through all 5 minutes? That's okay! Pick a place to start, even if it's 1 or 2 minutes and build from there. You are worth it!
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