Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily stress of life that we feel as if we’re drowning. Every now and then we need to come up for air and come back to ourselves. We have our cars serviced after a certain number of miles. We maintain our computers when they slow down, update our phones when a new version comes out, and repair our clothes and shoes when they get stained or worn.
But what about ourselves? If a car, a computer, a phone and our clothes need maintenance, don’t you — dealing with a thousand tasks and stresses every day — need some too?
Of course you do — and sadly, a summer holiday isn’t enough. If you care a lot about your appearance, I’m sure you already spend plenty of time in front of the mirror on your “self-care.” But that isn’t enough either. Just as servicing a car is about more than washing and polishing it, looking after a person is about more than their outward appearance. Caring for how we look matters — but we need more.
So What Is Self-Care?
Put simply, self-care means “making time for yourself so you can live a happier life.” Sadly, no — scrolling through your ex’s profile or posting photos of your lunch doesn’t count. Here are a few examples:
- Reading books and articles that help you grow. Just like you’re doing right now. How wonderful it is to do something for yourself.
- Setting a purpose and goals for your life. Without a goal and purpose, you get tossed around and become more vulnerable to outside influences that can upset you. So have a purpose and goals that excite you. Set yourself small daily goals. You’ll start to see yourself as more important and your life as more meaningful.
- Meditating. Meditation is a bath for the mind. If you want every day to feel close to how you feel on holiday, one of the best things you can do is stay in a meditative state as much as possible.
- Getting up early to watch the sunrise with some gentle music, letting your mind rest. I’m sure you’ve done something like this before. Do I even need to tell you how wonderful it feels?
- Working with a life coach. Sometimes we can’t solve our problems alone. In those situations, getting support and unlocking your potential is the best solution. Investing in yourself as soon as possible pays off far more than wrestling with problems and wasting time, money and energy.
- Attending seminars and workshops on personal growth. Constantly learning and developing yourself will open new horizons and leave you feeling refreshed.
- Writing down the problems you’re dealing with inside, and finding solutions. Working things through in writing is powerful. As you write, you’ll start finding better solutions. You may lose to the voice in your head, but never to the written page.
- Exercising. A healthy mind lives in a healthy body. Your body isn’t separate from your mind. The better you look after your body and the more active your life, the better your mental health will be.
We matter more than any car, phone or piece of clothing. So don’t neglect taking care of yourself. As you take care of yourself, you’ll start to see yourself in a more meaningful place in life. You’ll feel more important and more valuable. And a person who feels important and valuable lives happily, without being knocked off balance by outside events.
The greatest reward you can give yourself — and the best care you can take — is to laugh and keep your energy high. Isn’t that what makes life sweet, after all?
Happy self-care, everyone — and wonderful days full of positive energy!
Looking for support on your journey? Discover ClearMind™ coaching.