Self Care
These last two months have been overwhelmingly busy for me with preparing to open Renewed Hopes and I find myself in need of some self-care. With the holidays quickly approaching, I am sure this is a great reminder for all of us. I often struggle in this area, as many of us do. Intentionally setting time aside for ourselves when we have so many responsibilities can often feel irresponsible or even selfish, but when we choose to look at self-care from a self-compassionate, necessity point of view, it silences the negative self-talk.
Here is what self-care is:
Connected: connecting to your own needs, wants, and well being
Active/Intentional
Rejuvenating: restores the energy you expend on everything else
Expansive: will grow and deepen with you
Self-care is individualized. There are several realms of self-care. Some realms you may favor more than others. If you have found yourself exhibiting some codependent behaviors, then figuring out what your unique self-care looks like may be a struggle since you likely go along with your partner or friend’s suggestions when it comes to leisure activities. So I encourage you to spend time intentionally getting to know your true authentic selves, silencing what I call the “noise” you may have heard from others who may have judged your self-care. Below is a list of the realms of self-care. (from Amy Marlow-MaCoy, LPC, Gaslighting Recovery Workbook)
Physical self-care – refers to caring for your physical body. Examples include; getting adequate rest, eating nutritious food, drinking enough water, getting enough exercise, treating illness or injuries, and engaging in positive touch.
Mental self-care – refers to caring for your mind. Examples include; learning new things, challenging and changing problematic thought patterns, developing informed opinions, resting from mental labor such as work, and using your brain in ways you enjoy
Emotional self-care – refers to caring for your heart. Examples include; connecting to and validating your feelings, healing emotional wounds, experiencing your feelings constructively, and doing things that make your heart full.
Spiritual self-care – refers to caring for your spirit. Examples include; religious beliefs and practices, meditation, mindfulness, setting intentions, affirmations, and practicing gratitude.
Relational self-care – refers to caring for yourself within relationships. Examples include making decisions about who you spend time with, retaining individuality within a partnership, nurturing loving relationships, and ending or changing harmful relationships.
So, as we contemplate what rejuvenates us, let’s remember, we are all different, so what may rejuvenate your best friend or partner, might drain you – like a social gathering if you are an introvert. But that is a blog for another time.
