Prioritizing Self-Care: How to Set Intention and Make It a Habit
The Struggle to Prioritize Self-Care
Nothing's more annoying than people telling you to take care of yourself, when you are struggling to figure out how. Any time I approach this topic, I remember being in the trenches of caregiving, parenting, and homeschooling. While I desperately knew I did need to take care of myself, it was also a struggle to find the mindset I needed to actually do it.
Most people know that self-care is essential for maintaining physical and emotional well-being. But it can be difficult to make time for it in our busy lives. Let's look at how to set intention and make self-care a priority.
The Cost of Neglecting Self-Care
Remember that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessary component of a healthy and fulfilling life. When you take care of yourself, you have more well-being to enjoy life and share that joy with others that matter to you. While it was unpleasant to learn that if I didn't take care of myself first, I was no good to anyone else, it ended up being so very true. Before I did it right, I did it wrong - and it cost me. Learn from my mistakes.
Scheduling Self-Care: Making It a Priority
Decide that you matter, and that no matter what, you will do what you need for YOU. Schedule time for self-care. You are important enough to make it a priority. Block off time in your calendar for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. It doesn't need to be a large block. It can be as simple as five minutes for a cup of coffee, or 15 minutes to meditate.
Set boundaries. Say no to activities that don't serve you, so that you have more time for self-care. It's important to know what you need - and don't need.
Personalizing Your Self-Care Journey
Find what works for you. What works for your best friend might not be what is best for you. Experiment with different self-care practices to find what works best for you and your lifestyle. It really doesn't matter what it looks like. It just matters that it happens.
Make it a habit. Incorporate self-care into your daily routine, so that it becomes a natural and automatic part of your day. The more you do a thing, the easier it is to remember to do it.
At HOLD, we understand the importance of self-care and support individuals in their journey towards improved well-being. Whether it's through education and resources or emotional support, we are here to help you set intention and make self-care a priority in your life.