Today we're chatting about what self-care is, why it's important and how we can implement self-care practices into our day to day lives!
"When I first heard the term “self-care” I thought it was a weakness. I thought I was weak for needing time to take care of myself." - Francesca
We want to come from a place of truth and honesty and never want to appear as though we have all the answers on the podcast. Because truthfully, we’re working through life just as you guys are! And I thought it’d be helpful to share that I was extremely skeptical of self-care at first.
I first heard the term “self-care” from one of my bffs while we were studying abroad. I remember walking through Florence complaining about something when she told me that I needed to practice self-care. I remember looking at her like this was some foreign concept because truth was, I never heard of it. Intentionally making time and designating that time to myself was something I never even thought about. Sure, I heard of “me time” but that usually consisted of a pint of ben and jerry’s and an episode of Gossip Girl while avoiding the stacks of papers I had to write.
But guys, this was 5 years ago.
They call it “practicing self-care” because similar to mindfulness and meditation and yoga, this is something we PRACTICE. Some days we’re really good at it, and other days we fall a little bit. But THAT’S OKAY.
So today we’re going to chat about what self-care is, why it’s important and what are some tools / practices we can use to implement self-care into our day to day lives.
WHAT IS SELF-CARE:
“Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.“(https://psychcentral.com/blog/what-self-care-is-and-what-it-isnt-2/)
self-care is “something that refuels us, rather than takes from us.” - Agnes Wainmann, Clinical Psychologist
WHY IS SELF-CARE IMPORTANT
Have you ever been on an airplane and when running through the safety precautions they say that you should put on your own oxygen mask before you put on someone else’s?
In a way, that’s what self-care is. You can’t help others before you help yourself. You can’t take care of your spouse or your kids if your own oxygen mask isn’t on. That’s just plain and simple.
One of my favorite quotes to remind myself is: “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” You cannot give what you do not have. So constantly making time to take care of yourself and refill your cup will not only benefit YOU but it will benefit those around you.
HOW DO WE IMPLEMENT SELF-CARE: TOOLS + TIPS
Make a list - What are some things that you enjoy doing just for the sake of doing them? What makes you feel refreshed? For Audra, it’s getting outside everyday, washing her face 2x a day, every day and long smooches with her man
Move your body - I’m pretty sure this is listed as a tip in every single one of our wellness episodes because IT’S SO TRUE! Working out, or dancing or even taking a walk, or doing yoga - MOVE YOUR DANG BODY FRIENDS!
Our Fave At Home Workouts:
Eat right + drink TONS of water! - I‘m the first one to admit that Ben & Jerry’s are pint sized cause its like 1 serving but we all know that when we’re eating right, we feel better too!
Schedule it - Find ways that you can integrate self-care practices into your daily routine. Are there 20 mins in between laundry loads or homework help where you can read your book or go for a walk?
Get Dressed! - Do you always feel better when you put on make up and get dressed? Do it anyway! Even though we’re not going out and seeing people - do it for you!
PROLONGED EFFECTS
Reduces anxiety - When you’re able to input tidbits of “filling up your cup” moments into your day - you’ll find that you look forward to them and with time, they help to reduce anxious tendencies.
Stronger Relationships - When you enter any relationship as a full and fulfilled version of you, you’re able to support your friends and family even better. It’s a win win! Self-care allows you to show up as your best self.
Increased productivity - Guys, if Forbes says it - it must be true!
“People that look after themselves [and practice self-care] do have better cognitive ability. They do have better focus and they do have better concentration,” Dr. Russell Thackeray, a licensed clinical psychologist who consults on the topic of productivity, told Trello. “They tend to actually produce more.”
4. HAPPINESS - When you’re noticing significant decreases in anxiety, and strengthening your relationships and increased productivity - that just makes ya happy as a clam. Keep manifesting that version of you and more good things will come!
Kommentare