Self-care is so important. S is for Self-Care in the A to Z Challenge. I write about this subject so often that it has its own separate category in my menu. Self-care means loving yourself, taking care of yourself, and not just everyone else.
So many of us were taught that we must care for others, our spouses, parents, children, elders, friends, other family members…everyone but ourselves. Taking time for ourselves was seen as selfish, not as self-care. But that’s not true.
You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
Buddha
Even the Buddha recognized that self-care was important. How will you be able to care for others if you don’t care for yourself first? There’s a reason why airlines tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself before you put it on someone else.
Self-care doesn’t necessarily mean expensive things like massages, facials, mani/pedis, or expensive vacations. While those are nice, if the expense makes you cringe, then you’re not actually giving yourself stress, not self-care. You’re adding stress onto your plate instead of taking it away, which is the point of loving yourself.
In How to Practice Self-Care for Free and Six Ways to Rejuvenate Yourself, I give you several ideas on what you can do to take care of yourself while spending no money.
But one thing I do recommend to everyone is to get a mental health check-up. We get yearly physicals, so why not a yearly check-in with a psychologist? Most insurance plans cover these visits, and some also offer EAP programs where your first or even the first five visits are free. Take advantage of free.
And sleep. I cannot recommend sleep enough. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults need a minimum of 7 hours of sleep. That’s good sleep, not restless sleep. Poor sleep can interfere with your health, including your mental health.
One recommendation I saw if you’re restless in bed is to get up and read. And go back to bed when you feel sleepy. The idea is to train your body to only sleep in bed, not roll around wide awake.
And finally, remember to live a life with gratitude, which helps to reduce stress.
I am so fortunate to have a husband who truly appreciates the need for self-care and never makes me feel guilty for indulging.
Donna McNicol – My A to Z Blogs
DB McNicol – Small Delights, Simple Pleasures, and Significant Memories
My Snap Memories – My Life in Black & White
That’s wonderful. My ex-husband used to try to make me feel guilty for taking time for myself. Luckily my second husband recognizes the need and encourages it.
I had two ex-husbands, both somewhat abusive and I was a people-pleaser. Not a good match for mental, emotional, physical health.
Glad to hear that they are ex-husbands now!
Very much so, for many years and both deceased. I’ve outlived three husbands, the third being my soulmate. I am blessed to have found love again when I was 60.
Very blessed.
Hi there! I’m visiting from the A to Z Blogger Challenge and am so thrilled that I came to your blog today! I think I will be a frequent return visitor after reading today’s post on self-care – visiting your site will obviously be a form of the same for me! I especially loved the comparison to applying your own airline oxygen-mask first before helping another – what a great picture to illustrate your point! Thank you and I’ll be back!
Elaine, thank you for your feedback. I’m so glad you stopped by as well.
I agree that self-care is essential and shouldn’t be pushed to the end of the list. And I like your suggestion about gratitude as well – it really does make a difference.