What exactly is self-care?
It is how we reclaim our power.
It is engaging in anything that nourishes and/or nurtures you and your unique soul.
It is listening to music, it is watching a comfort TV show, it is taking a bubble bath (cliché but still good).
But it is so much more than that. It is the way to take your power back, and it is the way to show yourself love and kindness, which we all need, every day. Sure, we can’t engage in self-care all the time, because of work and family and other responsibilities, but we must try and find some time every day to nourish and nurture, even if it’s only for half an hour.
Every so often we also deserve a day dedicated to self-love and self-care, because we are legitimately worth it 100%.
To think that we are being selfish, or to think that it’s not as important as everything else in life, is simply not ok. Particularly if you struggle with mental health issues or self-worth or self-esteem issues, self-care is the way to stand up and say (to yourself and everyone else), I AM WORTH IT. When I say, take your power back, I mean specifically, how to go from giving away your power, endlessly, to other people’s wants and needs, to going back to basics and showing yourself much-needed kindness and care. In this life, you must be your own best friend, this is so important.
And wouldn’t you treat your best friend with kindness and care? Wouldn’t you encourage them to look after themselves and take good care of themselves? This is what we must do for ourselves! You don’t need to wait for someone to give you permission, by any means. Because, quite simply, each of us are deserving of that.
Try and carve out a half hour a day – dedicate a half hour a day – to nurturing and nourishment of the self. You wont regret it one bit. It will in turn, give you more energy!
For me, cranking tunes on the way to and from work, counts as self-care, enjoying a nourishing meal, enjoying a funny TV show that makes me giggle (Friends or Brooklyn 99, specifically), or writing a blog, are all things that fill my cup. And think about it, what drains our cup? Responsibilities generally do, work etc (no matter how much you enjoy your work, it still empties your cup after a while), and stress in general. I’m sure we can all relate to this.
You cannot give from an empty cup, so fill your cup with self-care and self-love practices; try for daily if you can.
Some additional self-care ideas:
Spending time with animals
Spending time in nature
Spending time moving your body
Spending quality time with wonderful, nourishing friends
Making time for laughter and humour
Enjoying a glass of wine/beer (or for me, pink gin)
Being creative in whatever way fits for you…. Writing/art/craft/making music etc.
If you don’t actually know what fills your cup, what nourishes and nurtures you, then try some things out and see what works. This can be a pleasurable process!
Remember, you deserve love and care, and remember, the most important way of getting this love and care, is from yourself!
Happy self-caring!
Love Kate xxx
EDIT: On a side note, the other way to take your power back and reclaim your power, is to engage in positive and nurturing self-talk, be open to embracing who you truly are, and remember to be patient with yourself, practice self-forgiveness and self-acceptance, moving forward. This will improve your self-worth and improve your self-esteem.
Kate's Niche 