At this point, I’m pretty sure everyone has heard of the term being thrown around and mentioned in articles and conversations. Self-care always gets termed with self-love because…hello, you only care if you love. So that’s what we are going to talk about here.
Self-care is about recognizing that one is running low emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually; and taking necessary measures to replenish. Practicing self-care isn’t the easiest.
Firstly one has to admit (to themselves) and be honest that they are at a low. This tends to be the hardest part of the journey. It’s easy to walk around pretending to the world that all is well however being true to oneself is not child’s play. The hardest part is looking at the man n the mirror and saying “you need a break”.
What self-care is:
•Caring for oneself: You are your longest commitment so nurture yourself.
•Daily activities in looking after one’s self: •Have a daily routine where you have me-time. Choose an activity that is not strenuous and allows you to relax.
•Avoiding issues and threats that make one uncomfortable and/or irritable: Avoid triggers at any cost, stay away from situations and people who make you uncomfortable and bring about negativity.
•Saying no: Easier said than done however its necessary. Don’t be a people pleaser by agreeing to everything and overstretching yourself in the process.
•Reducing stress: Take time out and relax. Switch off the gadgets and kick your shoes off.
•Initiating practices that are carried by oneself which is necessary to sustain life
•Setting boundaries: Protect your peace at all costs.
What self-care is not:
•Beating yourself about the past. The past is just that…the past. There is little that you can do to change it.
•Adding more to your To-do-list. This will only make you more anxious and can lead to feelings of being a failure if you don’t tick the boxes.
•It’s not about having an emergency response plan; why wait until you burnout to take time out.
Remember self-care is taking back the power.
