Let’s talk about self-care

Self-care is indeed a concept that has gained much attention in recent times, particularly on social media platforms. However, it is important to recognize that the portrayal of self-care activities on these platforms may not always be realistic or achievable for most people. The "Pinteresty" image of self-care often presents a wide range of activities that seem appealing but may not fit into our busy lives.

To truly understand self-care, it is essential to go beyond the glamorous images and delve into its core meaning. In my experience, I have found it helpful to frame self-care as a simple question: "What is one thing today I can do for just myself?" This approach has brought about transformative effects for several reasons.

Firstly, setting a goal of one self-care practice per day is much more practical and achievable. Many individuals feel overwhelmed and disappointed when they cannot complete an extensive list of suggested self-care activities. By focusing on just one practice, we create a realistic expectation for ourselves. If we can accomplish that one act of self-care, we have achieved our goal. Anything beyond that is a bonus.

Secondly, by checking in with ourselves each morning, we create space to truly assess and connect with our body and mind. This allows us to understand our needs on a deeper level instead of arbitrarily selecting activities that we feel we "should do." It promotes a genuine attunement to ourselves and enables us to make choices that genuinely cater to our well-being.

Lastly, adopting a mindset of caring for ourselves rather than feeling obligated to engage in certain activities fosters self-compassion. It encourages us to prioritize our needs and treat ourselves with kindness. Whether it's taking a long shower or engaging in an intense workout, the key is that we are actively tending to our well-being and acknowledging its importance.

So, let us move away from the notion of self-care as a mere checklist of activities dictated by societal expectations. Instead, let us embrace a mindset that emphasizes caring for ourselves based on our unique needs. By doing so, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with self-care, one that is grounded in mindfulness and self-compassion.