What is Self-Care and Getting Started With Your Best You
Merriam-Webster defined self-care “as caring for oneself.” Isn’t that gorgeously simple? This trusted provider of all things words defines “care for” as to “do the things that are needed to help and protect.” Well, that’s a vast array of options, isn’t it? This is exactly why self-care looks different for everyone, and we shouldn’t judge one another on self-care choices. Perhaps we could all agree that some forms of self-care are considered (by society) as common for a lot of women: spa appointments, shopping trips, drinks with friends. But dive a little deeper into self-care, because it’s not always so superficial, and it’s not a one size fits all. Sometimes self-care involves deep introspection, healthcare, or even just silence. One day, self-care may look like a massage and glass of champagne, but the next day it might look like a hard workout and appropriate nourishment. It could look like a counseling appointment, a break from children or a partner, or extra time with children or partners!. Even five minutes of mindfulness can help busy women keep moving forward to carry the monstrous burden of simply being female. Self-care is always evolving for each person, and it’s going to look the same from day to day or week to week.
Self-care is something women should be doing daily, but a lot do not. We are all guilty of putting other people and things first and forgetting our own well-being. The standard arguments against self-care often prevail in this busy world of doing. Women often claim that There’s no time! Someone else needs me! or I’m fine! In reality though, aren’t these terrible excuses? Aren’t these ways around caring for oneself that ends up hurting women and those around them? Women bear the burden of caring for everyone and are often negatively judged when they do take time to do any kind of self-care. Thanks, society. But, imagine a world where women started putting themselves first, or, at the very least, second. A world where women ignored the negative story of onlookers, and did what was actually best for the woman herself. What would happen? The potential is endless, because when women are healthy (mentally and physically) and are engaging in self-care, they really can be even more incredible than they already are. Self-care only enhances the magic and strength that’s already there. Further, when we do focus even just some of our energy on ourselves, it often benefits everyone around us. Don’t you want the people you love to feel those benefits too?
So, let’s challenge ourselves, FUs. Let’s engage in more self-care for the benefit of ourselves AND the rest of the world. Think about what makes you feel whole, fulfilled, happy, strong, etc. What is one small form of self-care you can engage in for just ten minutes a day? Or even every other day? Or even once a week? Can you start small and build on that? Comment below and let us know what you’re doing to care for yourself!
