What does self-care mean? There are some very simple definitions that I can reference for you. How about this? Self-care is “the act of attending to one’s physical or mental health, generally without medical or other professional consultation”. Or this? Self-care is “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health”.
Maybe the better question is — what does self-care mean to you?
I’ll go first.
What does self-care mean? To me…
Self-care is an intentional decision to do what I need to do to feel my best.
Self-care is not the same every day
Some days I need a 30 minute hit + hills workout on Peloton. Other days, it’s a giant spoonful of Nutella or an early bedtime.
Self-care does not have a time limit or minimum
To me, self-care can be as simple as stepping outside for a silent, 30-second breath of fresh air. Or as complicated as a 2 hour long mani-pedi (you know the one, it costs x3 times as much as the regular mani-pedi and includes a lot of massage and lotions and things).
Physical wellness
When I take care of myself physically. I feel better. Currently, my favorite exercises are climb bike rides on Peloton and walking around my neighborhood listening to Audible.
Mental wellness
I write my thoughts down. I give myself time to think. I cry when I need to. And since struggling with postpartum depression after having Nellie, I talk with a therapist once a month.
Personal development
I LOVE to learn. I once took the Strength Finders assessment and was not surprised to find “learner” in my top 5. To me, the feeling of growth and working toward something is a really good feeling; static feels stuck. I grow by listening to personal development books (read my reviews here!), by pushing myself to get outside of my comfort zone (for example, saying no), and with a weekly bible study.
Time with your partner
Date nights are soooo worth it, y’all! (Especially in quarantine or when you’re a parent of young kids that doesn’t have a babysitter favorite — at-home date nights).
Jeff and I also make time for the not-so-thrilling nitty gritty (like the budget). It helps our communication and keeps us on the same page so we avoid being at each other’s throats over silly things.
Time with friends
This has been harder with kids. It’s been harder during a pandemic. But friendship isn’t canceled! Getting a coffee and going for a walk with my sisters (probably my favorite), talking to my college roommate on the phone, or zooming with my bible study gals. Whatever it is connecting with my girlfriends is an important part of my self-care because it reminds me of a part of my identity outside of motherhood.
What does self-care mean to you?
Ok. Your turn. What does self-care mean to you?