Self Care 101

I’m a wife, mother, servant of God, professional, daughter, sister and friend. I wear many different hats throughout the course of my day. My focus and goal is to help others and to bring joy to their lives. I make many sacrifices and uphold several commitments, all to care for others. What I often fail to do is care for me.

Self care is a necessary and vital part of our emotional and mental wellbeing. It’s not something that just happens, but it is an intentional act of your will. It’s not an activity you’ll find yourself doing naturally, rather, it’s something that you must make a priority, be deliberate about, and participate in on purpose. You must make time to practice self care, and to be present with yourself and live in the moment.

We’ve all been there where we ended up getting an afternoon nap, not because we planned it really , but because we were so tired that we couldn’t do anything else but rest... it’s not that dinner date with you friend that me that you got caught up in because they were pressuring you to come. No these events are not considered self care because in truth, when you really think about it, is not what you really wanted to do.

Self care is defined as: any necessary human regulatory function which is under the individuals control, it is deliberate and self-initiated. Self care is one of the best survival skills you can learn. Self-care involves participating in activities you love, on a regular basis. Practicing self can can only reduce stress and help you maintain and enhance your health and well-being. So what’s stopping you and getting in the way of you, taking care of you? If it’s because you just don’t know how - let me help you:

The following are some important basic self-care strategies that can keep you functioning at your best, and ready to handle life, when the challenges come.

    1.    Get Enough Sleep
    2.    Maintain Proper Nutrition
    3.    Exercise Regularly
    4.    Meditate and/or practice yoga
    5.    Maintain Social Interactions
    6.    Find a Hobby that you enjoy
    7.    Treat Yourself to something nice
    8.    Keep Your Mind Sharp
    9.    Stay positive and keep a healthy attitude
    10.    Make routine appointments for physical and dental exams

~ I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self indulgent; caring for myself is an act of survival.  Audre Lorde~