Embracing Self-Care
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott
Sometimes we get the message that self-care is selfish. Like the airplane safety rule advising us to “put on your own oxygen mask first,” prioritizing self-care actually enhances our ability to care for others. When we’re feeling happy, healthy, and energetic, we can offer more to those around us.
In her book The Art of Extreme Self-Care: 12 Practical and Inspiring Ways to Love Yourself More, author Cheryl Richardson offers suggestions for prioritizing self-care in your life, including:
Set Boundaries: Say no to requests that drain your energy or time.
Schedule Pleasure: Make time for activities that bring you joy, such as walking in nature or working on a hobby.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself as you would a dear friend.
Nurture Your Body: Prioritize your physical health with good nutrition, quality sleep, and regular exercise.
Declutter Your Environment: Create a calm and peaceful environment that brings you joy.
Ask for Help: Reach out to friends, family, or professionals when you need support.
Practice Gratitude: Cultivate appreciation for all the blessings in your life.
Limit Technology Use: Promote mental well-being with digital detoxes.
Learn to Receive: Allow yourself to accept compliments, help, and acts of kindness from others without feeling guilty or unworthy.
Create Rituals: Establish habits and routines that nourish your soul, such as journaling, meditation, or quality time with loved ones.
Prioritize Your Dreams: Make time to pursue your passions.
Let Go of Perfectionism: Accept that you won’t achieve everything or perfectly perform every time.
Cheryl suggests that you prepare a First-Aid Kit of self-care before you need to use it. To do this, make a list you can refer to when you need some Extreme Self-Care. Your list could include:
A good listener to call
An unsupportive person to avoid
Something that makes your body feel nurtured, strong, and healthy
Tasks you could eliminate to make room for self-care
Coping strategies to avoid, like comfort food and late night tv
Spiritual practices that make you feel connected
Activities or rituals that rejuvenate you, such as a massage or nap
Your favorite way to express your feelings - journaling, painting, or singing
An object that serves as a reminder to breathe, relax, and stay present
Your favorite healthy distraction when you need a break
You could also write each item on an index card and place it in a special box to open when you need it.
What are your favorite self-care practices?