True Self-Care: Why It Matters and How to Find Yours
Self-care has become a buzzword recently, but what does it mean? Many of us associate self-care with bubble baths, massages, and having our favorite treats. While these activities can be enjoyable, they don't always provide the long-lasting benefits we need to refuel and recharge. True self-care, on the other hand, goes deeper. It creates a positive shift that can energize us and help us feel more relaxed, flexible, forgiving, appreciative, and compassionate with ourselves and others. And unlike surface self-care, true self-care creates lasting effects that refuel us socially, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and even spiritually long after the activity.
So, how can you find your own true self-care practices? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
What is Self-Care
What is something you don't do regularly (or at all), but when you've done it in the past, it made you feel excited and energized and (most importantly) shifted the current challenges in your life from daunting to doable?
This could be anything from taking a dance class to spending time in nature to trying a new hobby. The key is to think about something that impacts your well-being rather than just something enjoyable.
What is an activity you used to do that you loved but stopped doing because of life responsibilities, changes in circumstances, or a false belief that you're too old or too out of shape?
This question can help you reconnect with something that used to bring you joy and fulfillment. Maybe it's playing a musical instrument, painting, or practicing yoga. Whatever it is, permit yourself to start again, even if it's just for a few minutes a day.
Tips For Self-Care
Once you've identified some potential true self-care practices, making them a habit is important. True self-care is self-reinforcing, which means the more you do it, the easier it becomes to keep doing it. Here are a few tips to help you establish your own self-care routine:
Start small. You don't need to completely overhaul your life to start taking better care of yourself. Begin with something simple, like taking a 10-minute walk every day or spending a few minutes meditating before bed.
Be consistent. The more you do something, the easier it becomes to make it a habit. Try to schedule your self-care activities at the same time each day or week so that they become a regular part of your routine.
Experiment. Not every self-care activity will resonate with you, and that's okay. Try different things until you find what works for you.
Be patient. True self-care takes time to work its magic. Don't expect immediate results, but trust that your efforts will pay off over time.
Practicing Self-Care
In conclusion, true self-care is a holistic approach that extends beyond simple indulgences like bubble baths and massages. It involves identifying personalized practices that genuinely nourish our mind, body, and soul, fostering long-term positive impacts on our overall health and wellness. By engaging in introspection, setting achievable goals, and maintaining regular self-care habits, we pave the way for a sustainable and fulfilling well-being that enhances our quality of life. If you would like to start your therapy journey, you can reach out to Horn Counseling, and we will help you find a therapist in your area.
