“Do not go where the path my lead, go instead were there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
If you look around there are dozens of articles on the web and in magazines that talk about self-care; how taking the time for yourself can improve your life and well-being and even your health. I had a few thoughts, what if my idea of self-care is different than yours? What does it look like to you?
Let’s face it we’ve all been there. You have a thousand and one things to do, but you are running on empty, how much more can you give? The answer is probably not a lot. This sounds like the perfect time for a little self-care.
Psychology Today defines self-care as any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.
To some, self-care could be a weekend at home, baking brownies and binging Netflix true documentaries, or spending a day at the beach with friends or family. The point is to do something that brings you joy and doesn’t drain your energy. That can look different for everyone.
Here are a few things I consider self-care;
- Reading/listening to a favorite book. (Any Twilight or Harry Potter Book (don’t judge me!)
- Watching an episode or two of my favorite TV show. (Big Bang Theory anyone?)
- Taking a few minutes to soak up the sunshine. (ahh, 🌞!)
- Dancing like no one’s watching! (dance party for 1!)
- Doing something fun I used to do as a kid. (go to the park and swing like you I did when I was a nine year old!)
- Writing this blog 😊
Self-care doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Here are a few things that only take 15 minutes or so;
- Put the kettle on – steep your favorite tea – sit back and enjoy ☕
- Take a few minutes – pay attention to something, anything – and just be.
- Go outside – take a walk – soak up the sunshine.
- Just Breathe – take a few deep breaths – calm your mind and release stress.
- Sweat – Hit the treadmill, the bike, lift a few weights, do a few squats.
Sometimes it takes a lot of courage to put yourself first. Be brave. And remember, people who love you will understand when you need time to recharge. If they don’t, they aren’t your people.
I’d love to hear from you! What does self-care look like to you? How do you rest and recharge?
These days I spend time in my craft room. That is for me and no one else.
Another thought – where was self-care when I was raising kids or just 5 years ago? Such a new term coined by? Millenials? Who came up with the term? In some ways it makes me feel selfish to take time for me. Or it sure would have when I was a wife and mom.