What is "Self-Care"?
When anyone asks you what you do for self-care, what do you think of?
– Seriously, take a moment here and think about it… I’ll wait -
Okay, did any of the following come to mind?
Stretching? Going to the gym? Walking? Beer (or wine) after a long day at work? Maybe sitting in your car a moment longer before walking into the house?
Do they count?
Yes, yes and yes! I'm telling you right now, that ANYTHING you do that makes you feel revitalized can be classified as “self-care.” Because you are taking care of yourself! Giving your body and mind a moment to hold onto that slice of sanity that could be wearing thin.
Now there are different kinds of self-care:
VERBAL: telling yourself good things or positive affirmations
“You look amazing today.”
“I will be strong and patient while talking with my family.”
“I am intelligent and will demonstrate that today at work/school.”
“I am proud of you.”
PHYSICAL: any kind of movement, adventure, play
If your body is moving in SOME WAY, this is physical self-care! Wii gaming, hiking, cleaning, dancing, play wrestling; all count!
STILLNESS: meditation, self-check-ins
This is taking a moment to see how you are really doing, to focus on your breath and to let go of the anxiety that we don’t need overfilling our cups.
EMOTIONAL: talking or being with someone who genuinely cares about your well being
Talking with friends or loved ones is so valuable! Therapists are also a great resource for when you are going through tough times. This can also include laughter and crying!
HYGIENE: showers, hair, nails, etc
Seems self-explanatory, but with depression, just washing your hair can seem like a useless act. But this simple action can make a large impact on how you are feeling.
Self-care is important! Without taking care of ourselves we are not fully able to take care of the ones we love or do the things in life that we want to do; whether that is involving music, learning, work, family or any other aspiration in life that needs you to be on the ball.
Now there is a line that shouldn't be crossed, if anything we do causes harm to ourselves or to others, we need to re-evaluate the actions being taken. A therapist or a counselor is a valuable resource to include during this time because they can help you see the situation from a new unbiased point of view, maybe even making suggestions that you haven't yet considered.
I’m going to try and give you as many examples of these different types of self-care and the science behind them – if there is any.
Just remember that you are important and you deserve to be taken care of <3
CHALLENGE!
Make a list of AT LEAST 30 ways to give yourself some self-care. They can include others (partners, loved ones, family, people you may meet in classes).
Aim for doing 3 things on that list every week!
- I can get you started. -
1. Go for a 10-minute walk after work to break up your day.
2. Pet an animal.
3. Hug someone you care about for at least 60 seconds.
4. Go for a pedicure (or give yourself one).
5. Think about goals you want to accomplish this year and plan ways to achieve them.
6. Spend time with your family/loved ones.
7. Listen to live music.
8. Play music (either with an instrument or a CD, etc.)
9. Make a tasty meal.
10. Look yourself in the mirror and say, "I love you, and I am proud of you."
11. - This is where you take over -