The Critical Importance of Self-Care

I’m the first to admit that self-care is a journey. Taking time to recharge, refuel, reflect, and refresh (yep all those ‘r’s) is critically important for me to be a better wife, mom, and teacher. I have been learning this past year that self-care doesn’t need to take more than a few minutes a day. It doesn’t need to be overly complicated or cost anything.

Today as we dive into this topic I hope some of these thoughts and suggestions can transform the way you define me time and self care.

Defining Self-Care

Before we begin it’s important to reground on what self-care means.

Understand that caring for yourself and treating yourself are not the same thing. We need to be really careful that we don’t embrace the culture of consumption as self-care. I’m as guilty as the next gal and enjoy a little retail therapy at Target. But I’ve learned living for the next shopping trip is not a sustainable means of self-care.

Self-care embodies habitual routines that feed and nurture your heart and soul. So you can be a better you.

Taking the time to search and find what makes your heart sing through hobbies, relaxation, art, a profession, and healthy living can be difficult. But the treasure found is nothing short of joy. Cultivating quiet, mindful moments of satisfaction is worth every ounce of energy expended to find it.

Don’t Complicate it

Debunking the myth that self-care needs to take any more than 30 seconds out of your day is one of my hopes for today’s post. And remember, it also doesn’t need to cost anything.

Last year I was in a training at work and it happened to be on this very topic. I was profoundly moved by the idea that doing something as simple as drinking enough water in a day is self-care. This idea marinated in my heart for weeks as I saw with fresh eyes all the small ways it can be found.

For some reason I had bought into the idea that self-care had to be a big ordeal of effort for me to count it. But the reality is it can be fundamentally simple. A fresh glass of water, a spa night once a week, a home-cooked meal that nourishes body and soul is all self-care.

The sound of raindrops on a windowpane, or 10 long slow deep breaths is indeed caring for yourself if rejuvenation is found. Hiking, or a sunny walk to absorb some much needed Vitamin D is so powerful.

Self-Care Should Be Selfish

Selfishly seeking out what brings you deep joy is completely allowed when talking about self-care. Doing something for the sheer fun of it is the point! Now, you gotta make sure you are staying healthy too (so that means I can’t eat a whole package of Oreos in one sitting?!).

But choose things that bring YOU joy, and fill YOUR soul. Think about what you’d like to do most when there are no deadlines or forces around you adding pressure. Just a few minutes of time, and just the beating of your own heart. What do you want to do for you during those moments?

Give yourself permission to open the door on some of your dreams and begin the journey.

Self-Care is Non-Negotiable

Serving your world as a parent, spouse, or professional simply cannot be accomplished if your vessel is empty. Reflect on the non-negotiable boundaries or habits you need in place so you can show up fully each day to each person you are in contact with.

For me, it’s an early-ish bedtime. I learned early on in my career of teaching that sleep was critical to my success the next day. Now as a mom and wife it’s essential!

Another non-negotiable I’ve seen many set for themselves is their fitness routine. Time set aside so they can maintain fitness is an activity that needs to happen. For another person it may be gardening, another it may be reading. Another it may be a nice hot bath at the end of the day.

When I was mom to young children (and their sleep schedule was ironed out) I would wake up 45-60 minutes in advance of my kids. To slowly wake up in the morning with my coffee and the quiet of my home became essential for me to parent them well throughout the day. It was a boundary and routine I had for years.

Regardless of where your self-care journey takes you I dearly hope you set it as a non-negotiable aspect of your life. Once it’s part of your week ( like a bill that needs to be paid so your soul’s fire can stay lit) it will be a natural occurrence.

Showing up for Life

So go. Stand in the sunlight with your head tilted back and breathe deep the fresh air around you. Embrace the moment of looking at soft snow falling gently on the trees, it’s as if time stops. Begin practicing yoga a few times a week in the quiet of your bedroom. Carve out time to be fully present in nutrition for your body or fitness for your long term health. People are counting on you.