Clear and Unbiased Thoughts About Self-Care You Need to Know
The definition of self-care in my mind is paying attention to you, not in a selfish way, but ensuring that you are being cared for by yourself. It means doing things to take care of your mind, body, and soul by engaging in activities that promote well-being and reduce stress. Doing so enhances your ability to live fully, vibrantly, and effectively. The practice of self-care also reminds both you and others that your needs are valid and a priority.
Everyone needs a self-care plan in their life, otherwise known as a coping strategy. No matter who you are, or what your family dynamic is like, and what you do for a living.
Having a plan is an intervention tool that keeps you from the dark abyss. It’s a fail-safe plan, created by you, and full of your favorite self-care activities and ways to activate your self-care community.
“Self-care is not selfish. You must fill your own cup before you can pour into others.”
So, let’s look at a few specific categories of people who need self-care in closer detail.
Self-Care For The Workaholic
Someone who claims to be a workaholic, where they feel “obsessed” with being busy and working constantly is definitely in need of adding more self-care to their life. It isn’t a bad thing to want to work hard and reach all of the goals you have in your life, but when you feel like your entire identity is about work and all your free time goes to work, you neglect yourself. If you label yourself as a workaholic, it is time to incorporate some self-care into your daily routine. Take time to know yourself, and to love yourself.
The “Never Say No”
Are you someone who never says no, whether it’s because you want to be helpful or feel like you can’t? If so, this is a negative thought pattern and one that is going to require you to focus a bit more time on yourself. It can often seem like you’re just nice and helpful, but when it affects your own life, it becomes just another way to neglect your own needs. Self-care isn’t selfish; you need to take care of your own mental and physical health to help other people. So find a way to decompress throughout your day, not just when you leave work.
Self-Care For The Business Owner
People of all professions need self-care, but when you run a business, it often takes a lot out of you. The time and energy you spend working on your business are probably leading to a lot of neglect in your own life and personal needs. Running a business causes a lot of stress, but you can mitigate some of that stress just by taking a break at specific times of the day where you focus on your needs.
The Social Butterfly
Another person who might need to focus more on self-care tends to be the social one of the group. You spend so much of your time focusing on other people that you likely don’t stop to pay attention to yourself. Even if you are a social, extroverted person who gets your energy from being around other people, your self-care should probably be alone time. It gives you that little bit of opportunity every day to focus on your own needs.
The Parents
Lastly, parents need a lot more self-care than they give themselves! Including stay-at-home parents and working parents. No matter your profession, lifestyle, or the way you choose to raise your kids, you are probably not spending as much time focusing on your own needs. You don’t have as much time each day for yourself, but even 5–10 minutes of self-care a day can make a big difference.
In Conclusion
Self-care means:
- Knowing who you are and your limits.
- Getting the sleep you need and knowing how to rest.
- Making sure that you’re some alone time.
- Finding a way to decompress throughout your day, not just when you leave work.
- Giving some thought to taking care of your needs too.
- Taking time to know yourself.
- Taking time to love yourself.
What are your thoughts? Do you fit any of these categories?
It can be challenging for you to find extra time each day, but it’s imperative to plan regular self-care time. Moments alone can help you to ponder the best ways to move forward in your life and keep you grounded. And moments with friends can help you feel more connected and relaxed.
Whether you decide you want to go for a long walk, or enjoy a movie with friends, taking self-care time is essential. Look for small ways you can incorporate it into your everyday life. For example, by waking up 15 minutes earlier to sit with a cup of tea and practice deep breathing before the day’s activities begin, or you might take a walk around the bock on your lunch break. The more you work self-care into your schedule, the better you’ll be able to grow, enjoy your life, and thrive.
I am Shirley Noah, author and an internationally known stress expert and entrepreneur. I would love to connect further with you to help you improve your health and well-being. If you are interested in learning more about your self-care, please take a look at my popular E-course, Self-Care: The Art of a Happier More Peaceful Self.
