What is Self-Care and Why is it Important?
Brigitte
What Is Self Care?
Defining self-care is easy because it’s the opposite of self-sabotage or self-control. To successfully achieve self-care, you must have a self-care plan. It’s through that structured plan that you’re going to be able to properly care for your very being.
Hmm, self- sabotage I know that too well. It’s ironic that the best way to combat it is to practice self-care. You are with yourself longer and it’s really up to you to take care of yourself. You know what you like best, what brings you comfort and relief.
I can attest that incorporating self-care into my daily routine has provided the results are well worth it and that there should be an emphasis on sharing this with your loved ones as well.
“Lighten up on yourself. No one is perfect. Gently accept your humanness.”
Want More Self Care Tips?
Doing the Inner Work
If you’re an introvert this comes easy for you to be attuned to your inner world. But, for those who aren’t there is still hope for you as well. You see as human beings we all require some rest. Although most people think the best time to rest is on vacation. Most individuals at least in the U.S. barely use their vacation time! Not a good look.
Self-care isn’t just about brushing your teeth or combing your hair. Self-care is for the needs within you. Self-care is caring for your soul, your inner self, and your very being.
So what can be done even if you can’t book a quick getaway out of town? You can make small steps to apply self-care into your daily or weekly routine.
Building a Solid Self-Care Plan
A good self-care plan reminds you of what you want to accomplish. After all, you have values, goals, and a purpose in your life. This plan reminds you of what you need to do to take care of you. Using a day planner or making notes to yourself can remind you of your goals and the things you need to do to take care of your body, mind, and soul.
- Your self-care plan gives you a solid foundation for what you want to do and how you can accomplish it.
You should also provide yourself with inspirational quotes and affirmations. This is the spiritual food that keeps you focused on your own personal well being. Not only do you have the reminders of what to do, but you also have little pieces of inspiration around you to remind you of why you’re doing it!
In addition to inspirational quotes, you can hang motivating pictures throughout your home and office. These pictures may be of exotic places you’d like to visit someday or tranquil images of nature.
Your pictures may be something that you want to attract into your life or may remind you of a positive memory from your past. You can also have a photo of your family to remind you of what’s important to you.
“Self-care is how you take your power back.”
– Lalah Delia
Your self-care plan should inspire you and remind you of why you want to take care of your body, mind, and spirit.
“Solitude is where I place my chaos to rest and awaken my inner peace.”
Nikki Rowe
Another aspect of your self-care plan is tracking your progress. Let’s say you have a hard time getting motivated to exercise. By keeping a log of your exercise time, you can keep yourself focused on achieving a healthier you.
A food journal is also a good way to track your food choices so you can remind yourself that you need to eat nutritious foods. In addition, you can use a journal to record your mental and emotional health. Write down what’s going on inside of you so you can evaluate your feelings and proactively take care of your mental health.
“When your inner world is fragmented, the outer world is broken. When inner world is flowery and unbroken, the outer world is healed by your presence.” ― Amit Ray, Walking the Path of Compassion
- Your self-care plan tracks your progress to help you stay on track toward your goals.
You can use these aspects of planning toward anything in your life so you have that solid foundation you need to take care of yourself. Just make sure to take care of the inside as well as the outside.
“The outer world is a reflection of the inner world. Other people’s perception of you is a reflection of them; your response to them is an awareness of you.”― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Creating a Personalized Self-Care Plan
You may need to motivate yourself to initiate your self-care plan. For some, beginning any new task may be daunting. In addition, you’ll want to be sure you can find motivation along the way to help keep you on track.
Ask yourself about what has motivated you in the past. Use this as your motivation toward the things you need to do to take care of yourself.
So what Does a Self Care Plan Look Like?
The thing is it can look like anything you want it to be, remember the emphasis is on making one that is unique or customized to your needs. For example, my self-care plan looks something like this:
Listen to an audio mediation in the morning, then I take a shower, practice my yoga for 20-to 30 minutes, then I prepare my breakfast, eat, then I settle in my desk to write down my tasks for the day. Then I go about my day. This plan is flexible for me because I can also do the first three activities at the end of my day as well.
Be mindful that your self-care plan helps you check in and replenish yourself.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.
Conclusion
It’s important to have some sort of structure in place for successful self-care. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else. A good self-care plan will provide you with the capability, attitude, and energy to enjoy your life to its fullest!