Let me ask you…
1. Have you been taught to put the needs of others above your own?
2. Are you too busy to fit Self-Care into your daily life?
3. Are you unsure what Self-Care even is4. Do you think self-care is selfish?
If you answered YES to any of these…read on!
In my Counselling Practice I talk to women everyday who are unhappy, overwhelmed and stressed. They are so disillusioned with life they actually think they are going crazy. But they are not crazy, many times they are just worn out! One of the reasons is they struggle to practice Self Care. They either think self-care is selfish, don’t have time for it or they don’t think it’s that important. My hope is that they will realise the importance of Self Care before it’s too late! Because neglecting your Self Care can wear you down and may eventually even lead to burn out.
What is burn out?
When we are stressed, our body copes by producing stress hormones. These hormones help us get through difficult times. When we have been utilising these stress hormones for too long, we risk burn out. This is when your body forces you to stop everything because you are mentally, emotionally and physically drained. In the old days it was called a nervous breakdown.
Whether you are a stay at home mum trying to keep up with the house and the kid’s schedules, a student working to finish that degree or a woman building your career, you are all at risk of burn out and all need Self Care!
You Can’t Pour form an Empty Cup!
Because here’s the thing, you can not pour from an empty cup, and you are the cup. We all need to take time to refresh and recharge so we can go out into the world and flourish and thrive. If we do not take time for Self Care, we won’t have the energy to do the things we need to do. We end up exhausted and stressed as we go through our day.
So what is Self-Care?
Self-Care is any activity we do deliberately to take care of ourselves,it’s the things that fill our cup. When we take care of ourselves, and fill our cup, we can also take better care of others. If we are not in a good place emotionally, mentally and physically we are not much use to those around us.
Self-Care needs to be enjoyable
When you have good Self Care habits built into your life your overall health and wellbeing improves. Self Care should be something we do daily. That’s why it’s important to find ways to care for yourself that you enjoy or, let’s face it, you won’t do it. In fact, forcing yourself to do a self care activity that you don’t enjoy will take away from you rather than refuel you. Self Care will look different for different people. For some people Self Care is a walk in nature, for others it’s listening to loud music.
Self-Care is worth it!
If you are used to thinking self-care is selfish, it may take some time to find the things that you enjoy doing. But that’s OK, because it’s worth it! It’s also important that you schedule these activities in to your lifestyle, try putting Self Care Time in your diary with a reminder! The consequences of neglecting Self Care can be serious. Your mental and physical health will suffer, and if it goes on too long, you could risk burn out.
If you would like support on your own Self-Care journey, I would like to invite you to join my Self Care Facebook Group.
Or if you would like some one one one support to live your best life, contact me here.
Kind regards, Honni
