Zenhabits

Zenhabits

Self-Care: Replenish the body and soul!

These days with all of the instant connections we have, cell phone, laptop, iPad, iPod, or whatever the latest, coolest gadget is, is it possible to get in some self-care?
First, what is self-care? Wikipedia defines it as "Self care is personal health maintenance. It is any activity of an individual, family or community, with the intention of improving or restoring health, or treating or preventing disease." Sounds like first you have to know what personal health maintenance is; then you have know if there is something to do to improve your health.
Do most people know what their health maintenance is?
If a person watches TV or goes on-line, they may experience a bombard of ads telling them what is ailing them and what pill or what's the latest fad diet to help lose weight and fix them. Since we are so busy, these instant fixes sound easy and care free. But are they? After trying the pills or fad diets, the news is full of the recalls or problems caused by the fad diets, it's not worth it, really!
Self-care can be something simple and easy:

• Take a relaxing bath
• Drink a cup of tea
• Take a power nap
• Get a massage
• Get a pedicure or manicure
• Journal on a regular basis
• Talk to a friend
• Close your eyes for a few minutes while listening to relaxing music
• Buy a new mattress
• Eat healthy
• Walk your dog(s)
• Go for a jog
• Hire a maid or cleaning person
• Go to the gym
• Swim laps
• Attend church on a regular basis or utilize prayer

More planned self-care could be any of the following:

• Scheduled weekly massage
• Have lunch with friends on a regular basis
• See a therapist or counselor
• Take a vacation
• Work out with a Trainer
• A daily walk with a neighbor or friend
• Buy new clothes that fit after losing weight on the self-care diet!

Any of these choices help out with feelings of being overwhelmed, which is what usually causes a person to be more susceptible to illness, fatigue and low motivation.
Self-care is about replenishing the soul or body, but first a person has to know that they need replenishment. Take inventory of how you are feeling each day - keep track on a calendar, phone, computer or your journal. Keep an eye on what times seem to be most stressful, then figure out how to do some self-care!
As a Social Work student, during my education for my Master's, it was hard for me to find self-care, but I was able to manage a pedicure and manicure on a regular basis! Also, I was very much aware of the need to replenish myself, so now I have found time to take vacations with my husband more consistently and have taken relaxing vacations-cruises and all inclusive facilities, where I don't have to do anything but prop my feet up and soak in the sun!

PRACTICE SELF-CARE - YOU ARE WORTH IT!