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0 By Amysboardlineworld
Self-care is something that is found everywhere in the media at the moment, and rightly so.
I too, am always talking or writing about it, and I read regular posts and articles about it all the time.
The Blurt Foundation are an excellent example of self-care advocates, and I am always checking in with friends who are making time for it in their lives. Afterwards, I do try to incorporate their ideas into mine.
So, what’s the big deal all of a sudden?
Time Out For Ourselves Is Very Important
I think all the hype is simply because we have begun to realise how important time out for ourselves really can be. Time for ourselves not only helps us recharge our batteries physically, but mentally as well.
For some self-care comes more easily than others. They are great at taking time out to get their hair done, reading a book and spending time doing a hobby. Those things are fab, but for many others it is not as easy.
That is Bonkers!
I for one, am probably the world’s worst when it comes to self-care. There are always times I can find something that ‘needs’ to be done for someone else, before I even consider spending any time on me. It have always been the same for me.
Even on those rare occasions that I do finally do something for myself, I feel so guilty about it that I spend the next few hours or days doing extra for others. I am trying to justify ignoring others’ needs for my own, to make myself feel better.
That is bonkers!
Self-Care is Unique to You
Another thing about self-care, is that it’s unique to you. It’s your time doing what you want, or feel up to doing.
When I was very ill in hospital, I remember the staff talking about self-care and telling us all what we ‘should’ be doing. I was told to eat three meals a day, have a shower every morning and play with my son.
Easy peasy right?
Now it is easy as I am in a very different place. However, right then. at that moment, in the depths of anorexia and depression, I couldn’t think of anything more impossible.
I felt like a failure, because I couldn’t do these simple things I was being told I ‘should’ be able to do. It caused me to feel worse, and did even less for myself. I thought to myself, ‘What’s the point?’
Being Told Doing One Task Instead of Three Would Have Helped Me
Had I been advised to just try and have a shower, and focus on one good meal or even to eat at all, I might have felt it was achievable, and something that I could do right.
Doing those things would have built up my confidence, and made me feel better.
The Important Message is Self-Care Doesn’t Need to be Huge
An important message I have to convey, is that self-care doesn’t have to be huge tasks or an elaborate hobby. It can simply be drinking a cup of tea and a reading a magazine. One could try to drink more water, or even have a wash and brush your teeth. There should certainly not be pressure or stress surrounding the idea of self care.
You Know You Best
These times are for you to recharge, because you know yourself best.
1in4 UK Book Store:
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What Would You Like To Do To Make Yourself Feel Better?
Ask yourself, what would you love to do that would make you feel a little better?
I have created a free infographic that you can click here to view or print for free. It includes some small ideas and some more adventurous ones, depending on where you are in your journey.
If you have any other ideas I would love to hear them.
Take care,
Love Amy x
Reproduced with permission, originally published here
UNITED STATES
UNITED KINGDOM
Lovely article! I’ve been thinking a lot about self-care. As I get ready for the New Year, I’m asking myself what I can do differently in 2018. What can I do to prevent my anxiety from coming back? Also, what advise can I give my friend who has Bipolar and is struggling even more than I am? I want us to graduate together but for that to happen, I know she’s gonna need my help next year. Your article gave me lots of valuable insights. Thank you very, very much for sharing your experience. Wishing you the best in your journey!