Self-care can look different for everyone. For some, it could be a mini-vacation or spa day. Others could be a walk in the park or reading a novel at your favorite spot. For example, my husband is cleaning the house and keeping it clean. He explained that this keeps his anxiety down and his mental self intact. I know this is a struggle for him since he has been taking on more as the provider in our household. This brings him peace and insight into what he needs to care for around the house and himself. It means taking my meds and getting the rest I need, especially on bad pain days. This past week with the change in weather and doing a lot of driving for my side gig, which doesn’t help. So on Saturday, I got up and felt like shit. I didn’t have a lot of energy and realized I should have slept in. When I mentioned this, A told me to go back to bed. I said I couldn’t because I had a lot of things to work on and around the house. His reply to what I said is something I haven’t heard from him; you can be lazy and still productive. If your body is tired, rest and my to-do list can wait. He also added that I can’t be productive either if I am tired and don’t take care of myself. So I took my ass back to bed and slept for another 4 to 5 hours. I woke up and found his text saying that lunch was in the fridge, and he was out with kiddo at the park. This reminds us that we need some self-care and make time for it, or else we can’t be there for our family and friends.
Self-care is whatever makes you happy and comfortable. It is the energy you can put into taking care of yourself. It makes you feel recharged and able to do what you need to do. It can be as simple as paying bills or taking a long bath with your favorite bubble bath or bath bomb. Dancing in your living room to a song from your teens or a kid show your kids watch. (Don’t judge me; Yo Gabba Gabba was a bomb to watch when my daughter was younger.). It can be as simple as making a small breakfast so you will not feel bad later in the day. Each of these things can bring you joy and that you are taking care of yourself. If it does not have to be expensive, outlandish, or doesn’t satisfy your soul. You are more than that.
So please take time for self-care and remind your loved ones to do the same. Again it doesn’t have to be what you see on TV or what you see your favorite artist or actor doing as a method of self-care. Self-care is all about you. So take care of yourself and then take care of the rest.
And a reminder that I hope you live a delicious life of love, new adventures and that I am proud of you!
P.S. I would love to hear what you do for yourself as a form of self-care or what you want to try. I can’t wait to see what you have to say!