The phrase ‘self-care’ is often associated with indulgent acts like taking a bubble bath, lighting a Diptyque candle, or online shopping under the pretense of ‘treating yourself’.
However, self-care is not necessarily about spoiling ourselves rotten, but showing up and doing the work to further our desire to improve. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a beautiful feeling to sleep all Saturday after a big week at work or fulfil sweet cravings with chocolate. Still, it’s essential to make time for self-development in order to live a more nourished and fulfilling life.
Self-care is about taking the time to do that thing we don’t want to do, but we know it is good for us in the long term and aligns with our higher needs. It could be going to restorative yoga instead of staying on the couch or listening to a meditation recording to help calm our mind before bed.
Self-care is also saying no when we’re over-exerting ourselves both mentally and physically. It’s vital to create boundaries, so we avoid unnecessary toxicity in our lives. Why hang out with a ‘friend’ who negatively affects our self-esteem or a bully relative if it’s causing us more harm than good?
For now, I’ll leave you with a final thought: the relationship with our self is the most important relationship we have. To care for others, we first need to care for ourselves.
Good would love to know what self-care means to you – message us on Instagram, Facebook or by email and let us know!
