The Self-Care Article of Your Dreams (and mine)!
What is self-care and why is it important?
Do you practice self-care? I don’t (not really)... but that’s something I’m trying to get better about. One of my goals for 2021 is to start making time for myself. Now, I don’t want you to think I’m a blob who doesn't take care of myself. I mean, I shower (occasionally)... I read… I drink water… I color in my coloring books... and those are all acts of self-care. But TRUE “self-care” is so much more than that. Self-care taking care of yourself. Giving your mind and body space… giving yourself what you need to be happy. You can't give to others what you yourself don't have. Well, you CAN (and I do) but burnout happens faster if I don’t do things that I enjoy... things that fill my cup. Contrary to popular belief (ok, not "popular belief"... MY belief) self care isn't selfish. It doesn't mean you're choosing yourself over others (enneagram 9 here - I FEEL that last statement)... it simply means you're being mindful of your own needs so you have the capacity to care for others.
You might be thinking, “Whoa Laura - you’re really getting metaphysical on us” - but I’m not really. Self Care doesn’t have to be romps in a field of daisies or writing 14 pages in your journal every day or doing 2 hours of yoga and meditation every morning. It CAN be those things, but it can also be walking outside to let the sun warm the top of your head. Lighting your favorite candle and taking 5 minutes without your phone or computer to close your eyes and enjoy the scent. It can be doing 5 minutes of stretches in the morning before you start your day. Baking yourself a cake for no reason other than it’s your favorite cake.
What are some of my favorite ways to show myself love?
Giving myself a manicure.
Writing down 1 affirmation and/or 1 gratitude (this is another thing I’ve got to get better about)
Take 15 minutes to play a few games of solitaire.
Getting out one of my favorite coloring books and spending some time coloring.
Fixing my hair and doing my makeup (but not all the time - let’s be realistic).
Setting a timer and doing a brain dump in a journal or on a blank piece of paper.
Decluttering and organizing one drawer that NEEDS IT.
Setting a timer for 30 minutes and sitting down to crochet.
Putting my favorite oils in my diffuser.
Q:
Do you practice self-care? If so, what does that look like for you?
And since I’m always looking for new ideas - what are some unique ways you take care of yourself?
Click below to download my sweet self-care checklist: 15 easy ways you can take care of yourself today. Print it out and hang it where you can see it! When you’re feeling stressed or overworked, pick one and relax a bit. You’ve got to take care of yourself…
Can be sized down to fit 2 per page.