Self-Care has become a very popular term but what does it really mean?
Caring for yourself is a continuous process of filling up your own cup. It’s a lifestyle that requires a full commitment to you.
There are many ways to care for you and the beauty of it all--is that you get to decide what those ways are. Self-care isn’t always one size fits all. Sometimes you may have to do some digging to get to what best serves you. Developing your own self-care experience takes time, awareness, and the willingness to actually commit and follow through.
If you are someone who may have challenges with creating sustainable self-care practices, try not to beat yourself up about it. It’s all a journey and it does not have to be one filled with angst and judgement.
Here are some tips for creating and committing to self-care practices that stick:
Make a choice to constantly fill your cup.
There’s no room here to put yourself last on the list. Throw that out the window. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Always check to see if you are good first.
Explore what makes you feel good.
What makes you feel more connected to yourself? What makes you feel more energized and excited about your life? Do more of these things. Life is so much more than stressing and worrying in the name of adulting. Adulthood can feel good too. You can enjoy your life. You just have to prioritize the enjoyment.
Create a ritual for yourself.
Once you figure out how you will constantly fill your cup, create a ritual that will make it habitual. Caring for yourself and making sure you are good, should be like breathing to you. Do all the things that bring you inner peace, joy, and balance.
Commit.
Commitment is the most important part. Life happens so you can easily go off the path and down some dark alley of not putting your well being first. Anytime you feel yourself doing this, try to recenter. Remind yourself why you created your self-care practice in the first place. Recommit to honoring you.
Understand that self-care is not a selfish act. In fact, it is an act that shows that you actually value and respect yourself and those around you. Intentional self-care makes you a more pleasant person to be around. A person who is full and satisfied with themselves will always leave others in joy.
