Self Care – Easier Said Than Done!
In today’s fast-paced world, the concept of self-care has become increasingly prominent. Everyone, health professionals to social media influencers, seems to be advocating for the importance of taking time for oneself. However, despite its positive intentions, self-care can be a complex and challenging practice.
It is important to recognise that there isn’t a one size fits all solution but a personalised practice that varies from person to person. Self-care goes beyond bubble baths and face masks; it encompasses a holistic approach to nurturing one’s physical, emotional, and mental health. This can include activities such as exercise, healthy eating, setting boundaries, seeking therapy, and even saying no to social engagements.
It’s important to remember that self-care should be a source of relaxation and rejuvenation, not stress. However, just talking about self-care and reflecting on the above paragraph fills me with several different emotions. I know self-care is important, but I’m filled with a sense of dread. How am I going to fit it in? I’m simply too busy juggling work and family commitments. I feel guilty – I’ve some lovely journals for reflection, a selection of craft kits and partially completed projects, and membership to a local gym but none are used to their full potential.
I am sure I am not the only person who feels like this so what can we do to build some self-care into our daily routine?
- Hydration and nutrition are vital for our wellbeing. Too often drinks are discovered half drunk and cold a few hours after you made them. A nutritious lunch is either replaced by something quickly grabbed from the petrol station between meetings and eaten in the car park or eaten at the desk while responding to emails. Realistically what can we aim for:
- Use your favourite cup or mug.
- Aim to sit down for 5 minutes and drink an entire cup of tea rather than drinking as you do something else.
- Treat yourself to a fancy glass or water bottle. Routinely add frozen lemon slices and maybe a few mint leaves to your water. Make drinking water a treat rather than a chore.
- Exercise – while the kettle boils can you put on some music and dance? Can you stand on one leg while cleaning your teeth? Take a look at YouTube for Pilates and Yoga videos that take less than 15 minutes.
- Take 5 minutes extra outside after putting the recycling out or hanging washing on the line. What can you hear? What can you smell? Take some deep breaths.
- Travel time – use time spent in the car to listen to audiobooks or podcasts, I love a comedy podcast and find it quickly lifts my mood. I use Borrow Box to loan audiobooks online from my local library.
- Use your favourite toiletries rather than saving them for best! A quick shower using a special shower gel can make it feel much more luxurious!
Ultimately supporting our wellbeing and building self-care into our daily routines will be a work in progress. Be realistic and set achievable goals. We must be kind to ourselves, gradually embedding little things that remind us that we are worth it.
