In
the world we live in today, it's easy to lose sight of the one person who physically
carries you through all the craziness, opportunities and disappointments: YOURSELF.
This is because we are so focused on watering our relationships, careers, goals
and everything else, forgetting that we ourselves need watering. How possible
is it to water from an empty tank? When I talk about prioritizing self-care, I
do not just say it as a trendy concept; I say it as a fundamental practice that
fuels our ability to thrive in all other areas of life. Think about it; who is
going to carry you through all your goals and aspirations if you are beat up
and worn out? Lately, I have been so
caught up with loving me some me and the discoveries have been nothing short of mind
blowing and I am here to tell you guys that it is a very worthwhile investment.
I never want my people missing out, so I
did my homework and I’ll be sharing tips on how to prioritize yourself.
The
Broad Spectrum of Self-Care – Meditations to Adventures
A
lot of times when we hear self-care, we immediately think all it involves are
spa sessions, meditation and mindfulness (though those are fantastic!), but it
is also about finding joy and excitement in things that make you feel alive.
Imagine starting your day with a solo date and ending the night at a pub with a
group of friends. Self-care is about balance—nurturing your soul, body, and
mind in equal measure. Take charge of your mind, be intentional about yourself.
The
Silence of Disconnect: The Power of a Digital Detox
Social
media from time to time gets very noisy and we tend to underestimate the
capacity of the that noise. I consider
disconnecting from social media as an act of radical self-care. You just have
to take it by force, or you are going to get caught up in the web of
addiction. Creating spaces in your life
that are free from the buzz and beep of notifications lets you to reconnect
with the immediate world around you and allows you room for things that move
your spirit. It’s in these unplugged
moments that you might find deeper conversations or a renewed passion. This is
a very tested and trusted method.
The
Strength in Saying No
It’s
okay to say no and not feel guilty about it. It's about honoring your boundaries
and dedicating yourself to what truly enriches your life. It’s okay to say no
to that relationship that does not serve you, that job that wants to underpay
you, no to overcommitment. Prioritize
loving yourself just as much as you love everyone else around you. Say no to
things that don't serve your well-being or align with your values.
The
Adventure of Saying Yes: Embracing New Experiences
Self-care
can also mean opening yourself to new experiences. Enroll for that dancing class,
learn how to play lawn tennis, go on that solo date, just explore! I have been
on little tour of the adventures in London and I am having a blast and below are
the side effects I’m currently experiencing.
*Side Effects: Deeper
sense of self recognition
Improved mood
New
memories
New exposure
Loads
of excitement
New interests and skills
Tell
me again why you wouldn’t want to try this? New experiences reconnect us with
our sense of wonder, reminding us that we are not just existing, we are living.
There are loads of cost-effective fun things to do and I will talk about that
in another post.
The Magic of Micro-Moments
Let's
demolish the lie that says you must dedicate a whole day to self-care. While I
would encourage that, you can also have small, intentional actions that weave a
fabric of well-being into your daily life. A five-minute dance break between
meetings, satisfying your cravings or a moment of gratitude before bed can
significantly uplift your spirit. Take charge of your day, some days you may
not be able to take charge and that’s okay, not every day will be like that. Be
tender with yourself.
Nourish
to Flourish: Caring for Body and Mind
Self-care is as much about what you put into your body as what you do with it. Start a skincare routine, sign up at the gym, enjoy a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It isn't just about physical health; it's about feeling good, having more energy, and treating yourself with the love and respect you deserve. Cut out excessive intake of things that are detrimental to your wellbeing, be conscious about everything that you take in physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It’s not as easy as it sounds, it’s okay to slip up but make sure to pick yourself up every time till you get it right. Remember, you are not your enemy.
Embracing self-care is a lifelong journey that looks different for everyone. It's an ever-evolving practice that adapts to your changing needs, desires, and circumstances. You are not selfish for prioritizing yourself, you're ensuring that you're your best self for everyone around you. Prioritize yourself, treat yourself with the same compassion and care you offer to others.