What is self-care?

Self care is doing something for your own health and well-being. It’s something enjoyable. It’s a way of prioritizing yourself. It’s a proactive way to manage stress and ward off anxiety and depression.

I’m part of a self-care group for therapists where we share ideas and support each other in taking good care of ourselves. The other day I shared with the group that I was eating M&M’s while mindlessly scrolling through Facebook. This may have been sort of enjoyable, but it doesn’t qualify as self-care.

Sometimes we do things (like eating M&M’s and Facebook) to make ourselves better, but they actually make us feel worse.So, no, drinking a whole bottle of wine or spending all your rent money on a new outfit, isn’t self care.

You have to find what works for you.

For some people going for a run is self-care. For others it’s more like torture. If you’re not sure what you like, experiment. Here are some idea, but the possibilities are as big as your imagination.

• going to bed on time
• saying “no”
• eating fresh, healthy foods
• connecting with others
• playing catch with your dog
• dancing
• reading for enjoyment
• knitting
• painting
• journaling
• meditating
• date night with your partner
• doing nothing at all
• swimming
• burning a nice smelling candle
• walking
• visiting with a friend
• seeing a movie
• taking a class
• playing hooky
• listening to music
• taking a bubble bath
• gardening
• seeing your therapist
• painting your nails
• coloring
• taking a lunch break
• star gazing
• going on a weekend adventure
• going to a religious service
• praying
• sitting with a purring cat in your lap

Why do you need self care?

Some of these ideas probably sound like fun. There’s a difference between squeezing in some fun when you have time and valuing self-care.

Consider what happens when you don’t practice regular self-care: You get tired, forgetful, short-tempered, sick, unfocused. You can’t sleep. You eat too much or too little. Self-care helps keep us in balance.

I have a free self-care planning sheet that you can download here. I hope it helps you prioritize YOU.

Counseling appointments are available in my San Jose office. I’d be happy to schedule a time to help you get your life back in balance.

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images: freedigitalphotos.net