We all make lists for one reason or another. Shopping. Groceries. Errands. Home. Businesses. Work. Family. Friends. Packing. Cooking. Lists for the list—LOL. And at the current moment—Christmas lists that go on and one into the late hours of the night. With these lists and more, have you made a self-care list?
Taking care of others and people-pleasing can easily cause burnout and deflate the ability to experience authentic happiness. There are many reasons why it is important to be consistent in practicing self-care.
- Promotes positive feelings
- Helps to focus on the future
- Allows for quality reflection
- Maintains self-confidence
- Decrease stress
- Increases resilience
- Brings a level of happiness
- Rejuvenates inner thoughts and well-being
- Increases the ability to focus and complete tasks
- Keeps you motivated
- Improves happiness, thought process, and decision-making
- Increases the ability to be patient with others
- Demonstrates saying YES to YOU as you LOVE YOURSELF TO LIFE!
Self-care prevents us from pouring from “not enough” after we’ve given our all to others. When we don’t rejuvenate ourselves, it decreases our abilities to genuinely be available for others. When not genuinely available, one can find himself/herself simply going through the motions to make it through the moment and day.
A few examples to practice self-care include:
- Getting enough rest
- Healthy eating
- Drink plenty of water
- Positive self-talk and affirmations
- Maintaining a manageable schedule
- Delegating to others—you can’t do it all
- Exercise
- Annual physical exams
- Ladies—Monthly Self-Breast Exam (link to how to perform below) and
Annual Well-Woman Exam
- Men—Monthly Self-Breast Exam (yes, men should be doing this as well) and Annual Physical—including prostate exam if included depending on age and family history
- Ladies—Monthly Self-Breast Exam (link to how to perform below) and
- Get dressed when you go out of the house. Please, please don’t go out in pajamas, wrinkled clothes, and hair not combed. Always be presentable because you never know who you’ll see.
- Releasing yourself from toxic relationships. Toxic relationships are draining and will take away any excitement, energy, and effort to be around the person(s).
- Develop and practice healthy boundaries.
- Forgiving others—not for them, but for you.
- Don’t lose yourself in a relationship. Maintain your own identity and continue doing things that bring happiness.
- Take yourself out on a date. During COVID-19, that may be a stay-at-home date. Have food delivered, choose a movie or playlist, get dressed, and enjoy time alone.
- When you feel it’s safe, take some time to go on a vacation. Whether it is driving somewhere or flying, travel, and go someplace new. A getaway for a few days is refreshing.
- Take a day to just do nothing. No computer. No cleaning. No shopping. Just rest and relax. I’m still working on this myself.
- Learning to use the short answer of “No.” By the way, a “no” answer doesn’t require an explanation.
- Step away from difficult tasks to allow time to refocus.
- Changing your environment when things get overwhelming or stressful. Examples include—turning off the television, playing calming music, burning candles, dimming the lights (if possible), going for a walk, aromatherapy, sitting quietly to meditate, or journaling.
- Create a home spa for relaxation
- Clean and declutter your home
- Take a break from social media
Healthcare professionals, as we provide care to others, it is equally important that we take time to nourish our bodies and minds. When was the last time you had quality time for self-care? Do you practice self-care by taking the required lunch break? This will allow time for you to step away and recharge. The people we serve need us to be healthy, happy, and whole. Have you had a massage lately? If not, what excuses are you making? Not enough time. Forgetting to make an appointment. I guarantee someone reading this has a spa gift card that hasn’t been used. Wow! I just remembered that I have one tucked away that hasn’t been used for self-care. Making an appointment tomorrow!
If you’re an entrepreneur, have you made a self-care list to prevent yourself to keep from getting overloaded as you continue to grow your business? I’ll say it again, the people we’re serving need us to be healthy, happy, and whole.
All-in-all, self-care is necessary to keep a balance in all areas; physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial. This may require not doing some things to focus on self-care. Why? Because YOU ARE WORTH IT!
