As we are about to embark on April school break for many folks, I wanted to share this reminder. Please stop treating self-care as if it is something that we only access when we have time, or a day off, or when it is convenient. Self-Care is NOT a day. This perpetuates the stereotype that it is a luxury or that it is selfish.
Self-care is EVERY day. Well, real self-care is, anyway, not the commodification of self-care. And no, I don’t mean you need to go to the spa every day. If only, huh? Self-care is HEALTH care. This is the foundation. This is not an occasional mani/Pedi.
Do you feel like you don’t have time to NOT practice self-care?
Let me be real clear here, you don’t have time to NOT practice self-care. Self-care is the daily, consistent, foundational way you take care of yourself so every day you show up as the best YOU possible. It is not a quick fix. It is not a one and one and it is certainly not something that is reserved for when this magical “self-care day” presents itself.
You have to do the work to get in touch with your body. To listen to those subtle messages. You have to get down and dirty with your bad self and figure out what makes you tick. It isn’t always convenient, it isn’t always pretty, but it is always worth it because YOU are worth it! Taking the time to get to know yourself is priceless.
Think about the following questions.
- How do you like to feed your body?
- What makes you feel good?
- How to like to move your body?
- How do you self-soothe?
- How do you release stress?
- What is your sleep and rest routine like?
- Do you practice self-compassion?
- What inspires you?
- Are your environments clean, organized, and decluttered?
- Are you grateful?
- How do you feel?
- How is your breathing?
- Are you being kind to yourself?
Remember, this does not have to be time-consuming or expensive. Little habits and breaks can be wildly beneficial. There is so much you can access for FREE!
Here are 10 FREE, easy, efficient, effective ways to invite more self-care into your day:
- Gentle stretching while watching TV
- Ask yourself what went well instead of dwelling on the negative
- Go to bed 15 minutes earlier than normal
- Take 3 deep breaths throughout the day – in through the nose and out through the mouth (make your exhales longer than the inhales)
- Take a rainbow walk – get outside for a couple of minutes and try to spot something of every color of the rainbow and really see the beauty that surrounds you
- Have a 5-minute dance party to your fave song
- Drink more water every day – proper hydration is a game changer
- Write down 3-5 things every day that you are grateful for
- Stop checking work emails after hours
- Listen to, read, or watch something that inspires you
You can start small but you must start in an intentional way. And hey, if you have a whole day at some point to dedicate to self-care by all means, go for it! But let’s stop pretending that self-care is reserved for such occasions.
Check in with me every morning on my Instagram and Facebook Stories as I am sharing tips and little reminders. Previous reminders are stored in the highlights on Instagram too @drmcselfcare.
Be sure to like, subscribe and love me across all my social media platforms for the most up-to-date information on self-care! There are now 21 episodes of the podcast available.
Best.
Dr. MC