The Struggle with Prioritizing 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 for prioritizing self care.
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.
Prioritizing Self Care Matters
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.