Are You Doing Self-Care All Wrong?
The topic of self-care is one that has been discussed openly and often over the past decade. But for many, the concept of self-care is one that is still a bit mysterious, if not downright confusing.
What Is Self-Care?
First and foremost, self-care is a practice and a commitment we make to ourselves. It is any activity we do deliberately to support our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Not only does the right kind of self-care improve our health and life, but it can also improve the relationships we have with others.
Some examples of self-care might be:
- Creating better habits
- Eating right
- Getting plenty of quality sleep
- Exercising
- Meditation
- Spending quality time with loved ones
- Making time to enjoy a hobby
- Learning something new
Self-care isn’t always fun or easy, but you do it anyway because you know that the activity is what is BEST for you. In this way, self-care is a bit like acting as your own parent, making sure you do the things you don’t necessarily feel like doing because it is what your mind, body, and spirit need.
What Self-Care Isn’t
Self-care isn’t necessarily about making yourself feel better.
Person A has had a very bad day at work. When 5pm hits they close up shop, change their clothes, go for a 3-mile run, then cook a healthy dinner that refuels their body. This is fantastic self-care.
Person B has also had a very bad day. They are most interested in putting the day behind them, so they run to the store for a 6-pack of beer and a gallon of ice cream. They spend the night on the sofa drinking and eating poorly in an attempt to make the bad day go away. This might feel good in the moment, but doesn’t demonstrate great self-care.
Self-care is about making decisions based on what will feed your body, mind, and soul for the long run. Self-care is a commitment to yourself to live, grow, and evolve in healthy ways. It means making choices that will lead to your best self and greatest potential.
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