Self-Care

Oftentimes, people use think the term "self-care" means selfishness and narcissism. According to Psychology Today, self-care is "choosing behaviors that balance the effects of emotional and physical stressors: exercising, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, practicing yoga or meditation or relaxation techniques, abstaining from substance abuse, pursuing creative outlets, engaging in psychotherapy. Also essential to self-care is learning to self-soothe or calm our physical and emotional distress."

It's been a pretty rough couple of weeks. I won't go into the details, but basically, it has caused me to re-evaluate where I am today. I've felt the stress of many factors. And, it's my responsibility to truly discover what is truth. But, the pushing and pushing and pushing has really heightened up my anger, frustration, disappointment, and sadness. I knew I needed to incorporate some self care in my life. Just take a step back and calm down. Stop being disturbed by the outside world and start to turn into within to find some peace.

I knew I needed to incorporate some self care. Uniquely self-care means something to different to each person. At first it may seem weird, but I almost compare them to artist's dates and morning pages. These are tools for me to re-balance myself.


How do I know when I need to incorporate some self care?

When I'm feeling exhausted, tired, stressed, and beat down. I usually have problems sleeping, grind my teeth, and speak out in anger. There are usually knots in my shoulders, or I feel hungry because I've been on over-drive and forgotten to eat lunch. I also feel very defeated. There are certain scenarios and triggers that everyone has.

What are ways I can incorporate self-care?

1. Take the day off and don't feel guilty about it.
2. Sleep.
3. Feed yourself good nourishing food.
4. Talk to a good friend, the beau, or a family member who has your best interests in mind.
5. Go to yoga class.
6. Book a reflexology session, chair massage, acupuncture, and/or a real massage.
7. Sip a coffee at your favorite cafe.
8. Read a book.
9. Create boundaries.
10. Get a pedicure.
11. Go for a walk.
12. Watch a movie alone.
13. Take yourself out on a nice date alone.
14. Take pictures of beautiful things like puppies, kids, or anything in everyday life.
15. Come to the realization that every day is different. Accept the feelings you have.
16. Come to the realization that you are not alone. If you are comfortable with Truth, you will get through this rough patch and do great things in the right amount of time.