We hear a lot today in the media and in social conversations about self care and it’s got a lot of buzz.
But what does it really mean to practice self care and self love?
It’s important to recognize that caring for our own basic needs is essential to not only survive, but thrive.
Self care and self love are about prioritizing our needs so that we can serve others better in our many roles as partner, friend, worker, parent, family member.
It’s about knowing when and how to set limits and boundaries and look at the long term benefits of those actions and not simply looking for immediate relief.
Self care may be mistakenly misused, for example, when someone says, “I need a drink because I had a stressful day” instead of choosing a healthy coping strategy.
Sure a bubble bath feels good when you’re stressed, but let’s go beyond that to the sources of your stress and look at more effective and lasting change.
If you are over stressed at work due to pressure, commuting, deadlines, expectations, then look at options to problem solve that may alleviate that stress.
Are you putting pressure on yourself to be perfect? If so, you are the only one that can set more realistic expectations for yourself and give yourself a break.
Are you in an unhealthy relationship with a partner, friend, or even a boss who disregards your boundaries or even makes you feel emotionally or physically unsafe? If so, identifying boundaries and how to implement them, even if it means cutting off ties or leaving a relationship or a job, may be what is best for your health. Learn how to practice self compassion and don’t take responsibility for issues that are not yours, even if someone is blaming you unfairly.
Taking care of and loving yourself means identifying your struggles, accepting those struggles, and knowing that with acceptance will come an opportunity to grow and overcome. We live in a fast paced life with endless pressures and expectations. It’s okay to give yourself permission to slow down, listen to your inner voice and your needs, and make the changes you know will benefit your emotional and physical health.
If you have been thinking about therapy or medication because of ongoing or intermittent mood or behavioral issues, a learning or attention disability, medical or health condition or anything, once you acknowledge you need help, that is a true sign of courage and strength to overcome the challenge. Once you can address this and learn to improve your coping skills you will feel some relief and not only feel better yourself, but you will be better at relating to and interacting with others because you’re healthy and strong. Don’t forget about the benefits of good nutrition and consistent exercise as well as having a dependable and trustworthy support system.
If you are looking to improve your self care and want to truly learn what self love means and you have any questions about starting therapy please schedule an initial phone consultation by clicking below where it says “Book Online Now.”
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