Self-care, it’s a phrase widely used in a range of different contexts, but what does it actually mean?
The dictionary definition of self-care is; ”the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness.”
Although self-care is one term, it most certainly doesn’t only include one aspect. It can take any number of different forms from making sure you’re getting enough sleep, to keeping a journal, to scheduling yourself time for relaxing.
It’s important to remember that practising self-care is NOT selfish.
Making your happiness a priority is not selfish, it’s a necessity.
You don’t need to justify having a break, for you, as much as anyone, deserve it.
Consider creating a self-care plan so that you can manage and take responsibility for your own mental health. When creating a plan, it’s useful to think about what activities you enjoy. What makes you feel most alive? Explore different activities until you find something that you enjoy, because there will definitely be something out there. If you’ve not yet found what makes you feel alive, do not lose hope. Keep looking, because you will find it one day, I promise you, and the wait will have been worthwhile.
When I devoted myself to practicing self-care daily, I decided to dedicate a notebook specifically for writing down 3 good things that happen to me each day. I recommend that you do this too, as it’s really good to reflect upon when you’re feeling down, so that you can see how much you have to live for.
Make sure that you keep your self-care plan easily accessible. For me, I find it helpful to write my plan down as having it in black and white helps me to stick to it. Pin it up on your wall, stick it on your fridge, put it anywhere, as long as its close by so it acts as a constant reminder. Make sure that you have no excuses to ‘forget’ to practice acts of self-care.
I hope that you have found this post helpful, and that it has given you an insight into what self-care actually is.
Thank you for reading.
Take care of yourselves.
Lisa
x
Leave a Reply