Self Care is Not Selfish

We have been on a mindful kick the past few weeks on the blog, so I wanted to keep that going with some self-care.  I used to think self-care was some silly and quite honestly stupid activity people used to say to sound important and trendy.  It also sounded just like an easy way out of the mundane day to day duties of life.  However, I have discovered that my initial premonition is extremely incorrect. 

            Self-care is SO much more than an excuse to avoid normal life responsibilities.  It is actually crucial in order for me to be able to function on a daily basis and also to complete those tedious tasks.  Once I came to this realization, I recognized that I have to take at least 5 minutes every day to perform my own self-care. 

            One of my go-to questions in some of the first sessions I have with clients is: what do you do for self-care?  Sometimes they look at me like I am crazy.  They probably think the same thing I used to think- self-care is selfish.  Though, once I start giving them self-care ideas, they typically start nodding their head in agreement to a few of those options.  I encourage all of my clients to engage in self-care daily because we often leave nothing for ourselves after a long day in our hustle and bustle world. 

            Self-care is not selfish and is quite the opposite.  We have to have self-care in order to give to others.  In other words, put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.  We cannot help others if we cannot help ourselves.  So, if you are not already, I highly recommend that you begin a self-care regimen for yourself every day.  Start by just 1-2 minutes and eventually increase the time as needed, you will thank me later.

To start your self-care journey, here are some easy self-care ideas:

• Put on a face mask
• Write in your journal
• Cuddle with your pet
• Watch your favorite TV show
• Go outside
• Meditate
• Call a friend or family member
• Take a cat nap
• Light a candle