Everyone has their own opinion of what self-care should look like. I have struggled with this for many years. I was so used to taking care of others, that I had forgotten how to properly take care of myself. It has taken many attempts in my life to re-establish the term. I found that it comes down to listening to your inner voice and also requires you to start communicating with yourself more. Now, in order to do that, you have to MAKE THE TIME. It is weird to talk yourself [for some] and we drown out our own voice because we are so busy listening to others and filling our lives with low energy activities. I am here to tell you that no one knows what you truly need but you. Only you can learn how to become in tune with yourself.
Your mind, your soul, your body are one. Your emotions trigger a message to you that something is off and requires your attention. Like you would treat the needs of a loved one, ask yourself "what do I need right now" or "how can I better take care of myself" or "what do I need to do to become more content and happier". Do not make the same mistakes as I did. Tackle the little things, the routine of your day and the everyday mundane tasks. Find ways to improve them and to find joy in them. You spend most of your day doing those things so why not make the most of them. Start romanticizing your life like how you see in the movies. Whether you are applying skin care or cooking a meal - do it in the best way. You do not need to break the bank in order to start. What I mean by this is [using the prior examples] take up some quiet time to really be in the moment, applying those applications step by step and enjoy the peace and quiet. Be proud of how you are taking care of your body. If you are cooking, make a display of your ingredients, play some music in the background and set the table for your family or guests. Whatever you do - make it special. We too often take for granted the little things.
Self-care does not mean you neglect your family and friends and become a selfish person. Stay on top of your daily routine and duties. Remember that self-care is for everyone. We must all to learn how to take care of ourselves instead of expecting that care to always come from another source. If you have kids - teach them this from young. Self-care is not allowing yourself to remain in a pit of depression. Surround yourself with a good support system that will check in on you even if you cannot. These people will lift you up and create a safe space for you to find the energy again to get out of bed; shower; do little things again and keep you in the light by simply being there. If you do not and cannot find these kinds of friends or family members, please seek professional help because this is also a form of self-care. If you are personal that has financial constraints, whatever you do, do not try to fill your life with material things in order to make you happy or to fill a void. You will constantly be living in debt and in a state of wanting and regret. If you truly care about yourself, you will be conscious of your current choices and also how it will affect you in the future. Try to find better ways to cope with the feeling of emptiness. Instead of retail therapy, you could engage in low budget or free activities such spending more quality time with family and whatever will attract or cultivate a quality lifestyle.
I think we all can benefit from self-care because it becomes infectious. You are generally in a 'feel good' state of mind because you look good [naturally] and that can rub off easily on the next person. Inspiring them to take on the same/ similar practices as you did in order to also feel like they're glowing and growing. You start to appreciate and enjoy your life more. You show up with your best foot forward, ready to take on anything that may come your way. All this because you are equipping yourself and those around you to CARE more. I encourage you to sit with your thoughts a little while longer and assess the areas that require some self-care in your life.
You deserve a good life, we all do. Go ahead and give yourself permission to give you what only you know you need. If this helped you in any way, I would love to hear from you.
Subscribe for more self-care tips to follow in my upcoming blogs :-) Take care!
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