First of all, we need to define self care. It is really as simple as “taking care of one self”. Here’s the kicker though… self care is really about doing things that take care of your body AND mind.
I say this because if we see self care as anything that makes us happy, then we fall into a dangerous loophole. What do I mean by loophole?
Well, look at it this way. If we define self are as anything that makes us feel good or happy then we would consider indulging in a huge slice of chocolate cake as self care. Now, don’t get me wrong. After a bad day we might just need that cake as a part of our mental health. We might just need to let go and watch a show and eat our cake. There’s nothing wrong with that.
While I am not saying that this is a bad thing, in fact, I think it’s wonderful and by all means, eat the cake. I am saying that we don’t get to count “eating chocolate cake” as self care. While it might be good for our mental health, it’s not great for our physical health. So when you are focusing on self care, make sure to focus on things that are good for both the mind and the body.
A good rule of thumb to remember when you are choosing your “self care” focus for the day, ask yourself, “If I made this activity a part of my everyday routine, would I be improving my wellbeing?” If you can answer yes to that question then, you know it’s a good activity.
Back to the cake analogy. While you might need cake that day for your mental health (go for it! no judgement here), if you implemented that activity into your everyday life it would no longer be good for you. In fact, it would be a very unhealthy addition to your life both physically and mentally. That’s how you know if it is truly “self care”.
What an empowering chanllenge and article. This will be perfect for me and I will try to apply it during the month of june!!
Yes!! I am doing it too!
Great tips! Agree with having to check if what you do can still be considered as self-care if it brings you health issues in the long run! 🙂
This kind of challenge is long over due😁 I am so excited for it, but worried that starting this 11 days before we move may not be the best time. That being said if not now when?
Such a good point! “If not now, when?” If we wait for the perfect time to take care of ourselves we will never take care of ourselves. If you can make time during moving and the craziness of life you will do so much for yourself! You’ve got this!
Yes! Self Care… not self destruction!