Why Practicing Self Care Is Important

We all have those days, and lately it seems like those days turn into weeks. Those days where we just do everything for everyone else but fall short on our own tasks. The days you have every intention on getting something done for yourself but you just don’t…at least there’s always tomorrow. It’s so important we take care of ourselves too and do the things we need and want. As a parent myself I know it seems impossible but Keep reading if you want to learn how to How To Practice Self Care Even When You Aren’t Feeling It.

How To Practice Self Care Even When You Aren’t Feeling It

When you think of self care what comes to mind? Massages pedicures, face masks with a wine glass in hand? Although those all sound lovely and are minor ways for self care I want you to focus on something deeper. Because honestly I can’t afford a deep tissue massage every week , if you do have at it and let’s be friends.

intentional Self Care

What is intentional self care? Intentional Self Care is focusing on the mental health aspect of self care. Because there is so much more to it than pretty nails and soft skin. When we focus on intentional self care we dig deep into ourselves to make sure that we are taken care of physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s important to remember that although there are different layers you are the center of it all. Making sure that you are functioning at your best is most important.

Have you ever felt better after a great workout? How about after pouring your heart out to a friend or family member? Did you feel accomplished when you went to bed on time and woke up early? When we do the things that help us function like eat healthy, sleep better and manage stress we can then take on the bigger things. Like homework or bath time!

If you want some time away and want to get a hotel for yourself check out my latest blog post all about the Hyatt House in Orange County.

Why is it important?

I don’t know about you but I love my alone time. Trust me, I love my spouse and my kids with all my heart and I want nothing but to be with them. But sometimes…sometimes after a long hard day I say ” good luck” as I hand over the reigns to K as they make their way downstairs and I upstairs.

Let me tell you a story; A couple weeks before my birthday I was chatting with my therapist about being stressed out because we had SO many things going on and getting used to being stuck at home all day everyday #2020. He asked me what I wanted for my birthday and without thinking about I said sleep and time to myself. He said ” Then ask for it.” I laughed because that sounded ridiculous and I even felt guilty for even saying it out loud. But that was my homework, to let K know that’s all I wanted. I remember bringing it up to K and all they said was ” do you want a full day or half day?” Full day obviously.

It was glorious. I laid in bed all day and played Animal Crossing and ate all my favorite snacks and napped and it was the best birthday ever! Of course as a mom my I’m not really ever off. I still helped with nap time and bath time and the kiddos hung with me for a bit. But it was still the perfect day. Let me tell you I was refreshed and ready to go the next day, I was ready to take on the tasks of the house and the energetic toddlers and all that comes with being a foster parent. Because I took care of me first.

Ways To Practice Self Care

A day off or time away is just an example and maybe you’re a single parent and you can’t just have your partner take the kids for the day. There is no one way to self care but the most important thing to remember is to make sure you do things to take care of your mental health.

Talking to a therapist has been a game changer for me. It was helped me let go a lot of what I was holding in and helped me let it out. Eating healthy, working out are all amazing ways to take care of yourself from the inside out. Working on something that makes you happy, whether it be a hobby or your business. Or even quitting a job that puts you in a toxic work environment. These are just a few ways on how to practice Self Care.

Self Care is NOT Selfish. I know there are people out there who will tell you otherwise but doing things for yourself before your spouse, kids or even work is OKAY! Think about it, how can you give your all to your family, your job, your Church even if your cup isn’t 100% full. If you work from an empty cup you will have empty results and experience burn out. You have to find those little…or big ways to take care of your physical, mental and emotional health.

Fitting Self Care In Everyday Life

Sometimes we just don’t have the time to workout for 45 minutes or make ourselves a wholesome breakfast, and thats okay! Just try and find ways you can tweak your schedule to fit in things that matter. I promise you there is time in the day you just have to look a little closer. Are you scrolling through social media in the middle of the day? Are you sleeping in a little too late? If we find we are doing things within our schedule that don’t serve us we use that time to do the things that will.

But I get it, sometimes there really isn’t that much time. I always tell K I wish there were more hours in the day because how is it possible that time went by so fast. If you do find yourself pressed on time but still wanting to do something for yourself here are a some quick ways on how to practice Self care:

• Go outside and walk a couple laps
• Buy yourself flowers
• Close your eyes, unclench your jaw, lower your shoulders and breathe
• Journal how you are feeling and what is causing you stress
• Go to sleep early
• Drink your coffee hot and slow
• wake up before everyone else and stretch
• Turn off your phone and be read a book
• Be present
• Dance and sing with your kids
• Sing in your car….loud
• Pray or meditate
• Set Essential oils in your home – this is my favorite diffuser
• take a bubble bath
• take a hot shower
• moisturize
• Call a friend
• De – clutter your space

As you can see there are a million little ways to practice self care. Right now I am sitting on my bed working on my blog with my air filter on. Little things that make us happy and healthy without much effort.

I hope this has inspired you to practice self care more in all of it’s forms.