Self-care
For the social media savvy and economically privileged, nothing sounds more lovely than #self-care. To you, self-care seems fun-luxurious even! It feels good. And, its super trendy, so bonus points if that foot pic in the sand or totally casual post of you in a coffee shop showing off your fresh manicure holding your $7 latte gets you more comments or likes.
On the other hand, if you don’t have extra time or money to blow on a new outfit, a weekend vacation, or a relaxing massage, maybe self-care just seems depressingly inaccessible. Another thing that you won’t manage to check off your to-do list. When you see those posts, it sparks envy and dissatisfaction with your own beautiful life.
Whatever images, memories, longings, or emotions arise when you hear that word, it is important to understand that treating yourself is different than self-care. Somehow, through social media, popular tv shows, and trending hashtags, self-care has become greatly misunderstood as expensive, time-consuming, extravagant activities that bring temporary pleasure.
But true self-care?
True self-care isn’t the escape-it is creating a life you don’t need to escape from.
Treating yourself feels great at the moment, but if it doesn’t nurture you long-term, that’s all it is a treat. Self-care, on the other hand, may not always feel pleasant while you are doing it. In fact, it may be surprisingly un-glamorous or even difficult.
Self-care is necessary. It is maintenance-the healthy habits that, when done over and over again over time, build a satisfying, stable life that feels truly worth living.
Now, there is nothing wrong with treating yourself occasionally. Maybe you just met a goal you set for yourself and want to celebrate. Great! Enjoy that frappuccino! Luxuriate at the spa for an afternoon if it is within your means. Hide in the pantry to eat a favorite snack alone. But know that it’s a treat. And when you are done enjoying the treat, get back to loving yourself enough to do what’s best in the long run.
If you need ideas, here are some to sustain a healthy life you need less breaks from:
- Journal your feelings
- Give that difficult feedback now so it doesn’t lead to resentment later
- Wake up 30 minutes early to breathe in the only moments of silence you’ll get today
- Go on a walk during your lunch break and notice all the sounds around you
- Eat more veggies
- Drink a glass of water
- Skip the wine tonight
- Let the dishes pile up for 1 night and spend time with your kiddo instead
- Notice the thought and let it go
- Get your yearly checkups and twice-yearly teeth cleanings
- Avoid the foods you know make you feel bad
- Say no to one person this week to protect your sanity
- Look in the mirror and say, “I love you.”
- Hold hands with someone you love
- Practice gratitude
- Turn off screens for a couple of hours
- Go outside and get some sunshine
- Wear sunscreen
- Call a friend to catch up
- Do something that scares you
- Go to therapy
- Ask for what you need- be specific
- Breathe
- Forgive that person that hurt you
- Release the tension in your jaw and shoulders
- Move your body in a way that feels good
- Say something kind to yourself
- Prioritize sleep and practice good sleep hygiene
- Read a good book
The last point I’ll make is this:
Self-care is for you. So if you find yourself comparing your self-care to the highlight reels of other people’s lives, notice and let it go. Now, tune in-listen to your body. What do you need? What do you already have access to that can help you meet that need? What can you do today so your need doesn’t feel quite so overwhelming tomorrow?
Share your ideas below.
If you are not getting satisfactory results with it, get in touch with me at AUM Integral Wellness, one of the best and reputable licensed therapist counseling centers in Dallas. Get in touch with me today to leverage the expertise of my counseling and therapies like emotional massage therapy, holistic healing in Dallas, and many more.
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