Self-care Isn’t Selfish (Plus 4 Steps Toward Self-care)

Self-care can be stigmatized. Considered trendy. For people without real problems. For people with ample time. Or money. Something that’s not for everyone. But it is for everyone. It’s arguably the most important thing for everyone. Because self-care gives us the foundation to show up in the world as our truest selves. 

Self-care wasn’t always something I afforded myself. It was actually what I withheld when I was traumatized. I didn’t want to face myself, and so I spent as little time as possible with myself. 

But in the eight years I’ve been in trauma recovery, it has become extremely clear to me how much self-care we all need. And I’m guessing it’s self-care we don’t all get. Whether it’s because of time or schedules or circumstances or whatever the road blocks to self-care might be, it is worth taking time for it. 

Self-care looks different for everyone. I think of self-care as something for my mind, my body and my soul. Something that works with two or connects all three. For me that looks like journaling in nature or going for a trial walk. Taking an Epsom salt bath or meditating. 

Whatever self-care looks like for you, know that it isn’t selfish. It is actually necessary. And you are so very worth it.

So, in order to make sure you’re practicing good self-care,* use the following steps to put it into your routine:**

*If you’ve suffered trauma, start with the most basic aspects of self-care and go from there. Don’t overwhelm yourself thinking you need to go to the gym every day or take up a hobby. If getting out of bed is a struggle, start there. Getting out of bed, bathing and getting dressed, drinking water, etc. are all acts of self-care. 

**If you find yourself unable to practice self-care, you may need to do some shadow work first. And please be sure to seek professional help whenever you need it. 

1. Journal about what self-care practices you currently have, how often you do them, and what you would like to do in the future. If you are new to self-care, here are some tips.
2. Look at your schedule (and make one of you don’t keep one) to see where you can fit self-care into each week. Maybe even each day. Start with five minutes and go from there. 
3. Communicate with loved ones to make sure you get the self-care you need. Remember, it’s not selfish. It’s helping you be your best self. 
4. Evaluate each thing you are doing for self-care. Journal about how you feel before and after. What works really well and makes you feel the most alive?

Check out my workshop, Journaling for Self-care, to help you get started. 

Cheers to exploring your inner universe through self-care! 

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Photo by Gastro Editorial on Unsplash