Let’s Talk Self-Care
Self-care is often overlooked. Ask yourself this: When was the last time you did something just for yourself, took a long bath or shower, treated yourself, relaxed, or read a book? Was it this week?
Self-care is so important for mental and physical health. The best part is that self-care can be anything you want it to be that validates you and makes you feel good. In today's society, self-care is seen as important but only when it pertains to certain situations. If self-care means a mental health day and not going to work or school, many people look down on that. I think we should all take self-care days in moderation. I have started prioritizing at least one day a week to be for me and things I want to do for myself. This wasn't easy because my mindset for these days is still trying to fight the idea that I should be working and making more money instead of treating myself to things. This is a terrible mindset and something I'm working hard to push aside so that every aspect of life is enjoyable no matter what.
Recently I took a week-long vacation. It took me 2-3 days of that vacation to get out of work mode and actually believe I could just relax and do nothing. This absolutely crushed me because I then spent 2-3 days stressed, feeling bad for relaxing, and only gave myself a few days to truly enjoy my time and relax. After that trip, I decided to slow down. I am still working two jobs but prioritizing at least one day out of the week to focus on myself and not think about school or work or anything that stresses me out. As part of designating a self-care day, I've also decided that I'd like to prioritize getting my nails done every so often on my self-care day. Even though it's simple, it's something that helps me feel more put together, better about myself, and just happier. I usually just get a gel manicure, but regardless, it elevates my mood and keeps me feeling good. Sometimes on my self-care day, I like to prioritize getting myself a coffee or something. Incentivizing it helps me have something to look forward to in the week and limit spending to one specific day, so I'm not overspending. Self-care doesn't have to be anything crazy, and you can even practice self-care and mindfulness in day-to-day life; it doesn't have to be one day a week or month. You can take time for yourself every day.
While I do enjoy having one dedicated day, sometimes I find time for myself on any day. I personally am a very goal-oriented person; I like to feel like I've earned something before actually getting it. Which is why having one day a week for dedicated self-care works for me. However, self-care shows up in many ways. Taking some time to sit and read a book you like? Self-care. Going for a walk because it's nice out? Selfcareeeee. Taking a shower and doing skincare and face masks? SELFCARE. Taking care of yourself is simple and something we can all do in day-to-day life; it just depends on how you see it. Is it a chore to brush your teeth every day, or wash your hair? Don't want to go for a walk because you're tired? If we stop viewing things from a negative perspective, we can start enjoying the simple/mundane aspects of self-care we do every day. (I do recognize that mental health issues can affect small everyday self-care aspects and am not trying to diminish the struggles of finding positives when battling mental health) Something my partner and I have really enjoyed saying lately is the simple phrase, I get to do this,” and that pertains to everything. I get to type these blogs. I get to wake up and go to work. I get to make connections with people daily. Even simpler, I get to brush my teeth, go for a walk, take a shower, etc. This simple phrase can take our negative views of not feeling like it or wanting to laze around and turn it into something we feel grateful for. Every day we get to do the things we look down on. How lucky are we to get to do things that not everyone may have the privilege of? There could be someone out there wishing they could do half the things you do, in the same way someone can do something you wish you could do. If we spend our lives constantly craving more or different, we miss the good that's right in front of us, the things we GET to do. Self-care is so incredibly important not only to keep us in good hygiene but to keep our minds healthy too. When we dedicate time for ourselves, it allows our brains to slow down and take a minute away from the stress or constant list of things to complete. I love using my self-care day to put aside any stress or anxiety about needing to do something, and just doing what feels right. Getting my nails done, spending time with my partner, cleaning my room, or working on a craft. Things I want to do but never find time for, and feel like doing on my designated day.
To finish this, self-care is something we can enjoy and prioritize to help ourselves feel better. Small tasks can be fun; dedicating time to yourself should be relaxing and joyful. I hope everyone can find the time to take care of themselves and do the things YOU want to do, just cause you want to.
Can anyone tell me how many times I said the word “self-care”? LOL
Goodbye for now, see you in the next one!
