Self-care shouldn’t be a luxury, but it often feels that way. Every single one of us needs and deserves self-care.

What is self-care?

Self-care may mean different things to different people. For our purposes, we are going to define self-care as deliberate actions, behaviors, or practices that improve your daily quality of life. Taking care of ourselves is a vital part of managing our mental health too.

When we neglect our self-care…

When we neglect our self-care, it means our batteries are never recharged. One of my favorite sayings is, “You can pour from an empty cup.” And it’s true! When we prioritize our mental, physical, and emotional needs by taking breaks and recharging, we are more effective in all of our roles.

Where does self-care happen?

In short, anywhere. You don’t have to be at home or in a spa in order to practice self-care. You can even do some things at work. 

Why is self-care important?

When we become stretched too thin, rundown, and overly busy with life and forget to take care of number one, it can wreak havoc. This can carry over into every area of life and even damage relationships. You may know all about this phenomenon. We may refer to it by different names - burnout, exhaustion, fatigue…at my wit’s end...pandemic!!

How to practice self-care.

Self-care is highly individualized even if we're doing the same types of things. So take stock and see what works best for you. Don't feel like you have to do everything at once. Spending five minutes one day may work, while another time you may need a few hours or even an entire day to refresh and recharge. 

• Recognize your limitations - you simply cannot do everything for everyone. You will run out of steam. Realize that and work with it, not against it. 
• Keep a journal - notice any patterns, record how you feel when you practice self-care. Adjust and try new things as often as you like if you start getting bored.  
• Reward yourself - self-care in itself may *seem* like a reward; it isn't. It's a necessity. Reward yourself for taking care of yourself.
• Be kind to yourself - try not to sweat the small stuff. Try not to take things personally or beat yourself up. Repeat as often as needed: I'm learning.
• Ask for help - prevent burnout from happening by asking for help when you need it. It's a sign of strength not weakness. 
• Unplug - put down that phone, turn off that device. Step away from the screen! No, but seriously, unplugging can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being. Bonus points if you get some face-to-face time with a friend.
• Social connections - if you find yourself feeling lonely and isolated, reach out. Check in on a friend or family member. Pick up the phone and call. (Okay, or text!) Join a book club, Facebook group, or another organization where you can connect with other people. 
• Mindfulness - living in the past and future robs us of being present. Take a few minutes to be still and notice the things around you. Use your senses to describe what's going on around you. If you have any thoughts intruding on the stillness, bat them away like balloons or clouds. They'll be there when you're finished. 

Just remember...in the words of our dear Dalai Lama...."If you feel 'burnout' setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself."

Be kind to yourself and those you love...restore yourself!

Cheers and be well!!

Nan