Everyday the phrase 'self-care' gets thrown about. It's one of those now trendy buzz words everyone seems to use. But what does self-care REALLY mean?
We have been conditioned to think that self-care is something indulgent such as a spa day, a retreat holiday or a shopping trip. Yes the above are all methods of self-care but they don't define it.
Self-care is actually a form of physical and mental maintenance. What do we do when our mobile phones or laptops flash up with low battery? We put them on charge. This is what we need to do with ourselves and this is self-care.
So how do you start? Firstly, ask yourself two questions: do I take care of myself? and how do I take care of myself? Write down your answers, we'll come back to those.
It's important to remember that there isn't a 'one size fits all' method of self-care, everyone will find different things beneficial to them and will have different needs.
With the above in mind, self-care is in essence setting boundaries and completing tasks and activities you like and enjoy. This can be seen as being selfish, self-indulgent and something to feel guilty about. If you think this then STOP RIGHT NOW!
There are some fundamentals to self-care that you MUST remember:
self-care isn't selfish - it's essential to help recharge your batteries and ensure you get sufficient rest. This will help make you feel energised and not only will you be able to do more for yourself, but you will also be able to help those around you more too.
self-care isn't a one-time experience - this is an ongoing journey. By continuing self-care and completing self-care tasks you will build resilience mentally and physically to help prevent burnout.
self-care isn't time consuming - activities vary and they can take as long as you want them too. Something as simple as writing a shopping list can take 5 minutes, whereas going to a fitness class can take 60-90 minutes. It's up to you. At the end of the day you are doing things that you enjoy!
So go on, give yourself some self love and start today!
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