And then I realize that being able to feel that way is also a privilege. I love reading his essays and had been eyeing his MasterClass on writing for some time now. Take care of yourself, so that you can take care of others who are in need of you. You matter. Some people know intuitively when they need to stop, take a break, or even take a day off. Go for a walk, eat your favorite food, get a haircut, and cry if you need to. I’m glad that you’ve found some things to add a little joy to your day, too. Required fields are marked *. We've got strategies to help you keep the peace and avoid an outburst. With quarantine and everything, we did our best to stay isolated and inside our respective homes. So when clocking-out time comes, truly clock out. We’re living in a time that feels utterly foreign to most of us. People in recovery find that their physical, spiritual, and emotional health are all connected, and that supporting one supports the others. Social interactions can be exhausting for some people. It didn’t make my skin baby-soft, nor did it have a glowing effect, or mega hydration. It will tell you when you need to slow down and take better care of yourself. Whatever you do, remember to take care of yourself. Many people who focus entirely on give, give, give end up overwhelmed, fatigued, and stressed. The problems that we face in taking care of ourselves can sometimes be quite fundamental. I’ve enjoyed every post of yours that I’ve read, but I must say that this is my absolute favorite. This one focuses on general aspects of self care that apply to everyone. 1. It’s easy to neglect taking care of ourselves because … Really thankful to you for this article. Feeling like you’re working through a fog lately, and your brain is not as active as you’d … Anyhow, all that aside, there are a couple of things I’ve done recently that have lifted up my spirits a bit. I cannot take a warm bath and feel invigorated. How are you guys coping these days? I have no idea whether or not the sheet mask affected my skin at all, but for some weird reason, applying the sheet mask made me a little giddy. It’s about making choices with your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being in mind, knowing that sometimes you need to sacrifice one to honor another. There’s been one disappointment after another. If you stick around, we're going to assume that you're cool with it! Self Care Isn’t Just Important, It’s Crucial. April 07, 2014 by Gabriela Acosta Last month we shared "31 Inspirational Quotes For When The Going Gets Tough. " … I’ve been breaking the monotony these days with lots of walking around in my neighborhood and a trip or two to the local coffee shops that have opened up recently for takeout. And what I have learned is that if you are where they are on an equal basis, they cannot take care of themselves without taking care of you. I’m also trying to go out more these days, even if just to walk around the neighborhood. And yet, at the same time, in some weird ways, I look at my life and cannot help but think, yeah, this needed to happen for me to be who I am today. To prevent burnout and keep stress from taking over, you need to take the time to look after yourself. But self-care is more than what’s commercialized on our social media feeds. Read a book in bed, binge-watch a show, or take a nap. Jamie Elmer is a copy editor who hails from Southern California. I have always loved reading books, but lately, my mind is so winded that I cannot seem to be able to concentrate. Even though it’s defined as being concerned with only your own personal pleasure and profit, as well as lacking consideration for others, we still think of selfish as the times when we’re simply putting ourselves first. If you’re feeling fatigued, exhausted, or in pain, it’s time to get some extra rest and not feel guilty about it. That’s why my body and mind don’t get any rest. I’m a huge fan of Malcolm Gladwell. So yes, this rather personal and totally irrelevant-to-blogging blog post is my way of reclaiming some of my originality and authenticity. But we can’t see it in black and white. We think self-centered, self-serving, self-involved. Autocannibalism is a mental health condition characterized by the practice of eating parts of oneself, such as skin, nails, hair, and scabs. One study even points out that for mental health professionals, it could be “ethically imperative” to practice self-care. Detachment is letting other people be who they are without trying to change or fix them. We all need alone time sometimes, and some people need more than others. Sometimes, you’ve just got to vent—but you might not always feel comfortable turning to a friend or family member. If anything, it just makes me even more restless. Turn off your work notifications, snooze your email, and deal with it tomorrow. You don’t need to fill your calendar with social events unless you want to. Care for Yourself. When you’re feeling tired — it doesn’t matter if it’s emotionally, mentally, or physically — it’s time to rest. Sometimes being nicer to yourself simply means taking a break and unwinding with some well-deserved alone time. And don’t forget, it’s never selfish to do so. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Also, like you, I’ve been trying to improve my writing (hence the Malcolm Gladwell Masterclass). Rest is essential to any type of recovery. The lack of the ability to make your own decisions is called “incapacity”. Really thankful to you for this article. And we’re supposed to avoid thinking only “me and my interests,” right? When we discover our interior barriers and find courage to dissolve them, this is taking care. You Constantly Get Sick. I’m sure many of us are developing some sort of unhealthy habits during this pandemic with time we didn’t have before. – Blogging Resources for Success and Productivity No matter what you do, make sure you have time to separate yourself from work. But these are not ideal times, and I realized that a big part of me being OK with my alone-ness has to do with me being able to go out to coffee shops, or long walks around the city, among trendy shops and restaurants. Maliha, It’s never easy breaking up with a significant … Remind yourself that you are fabulous and that you deserve the best. It means prioritizing your happiness and fulfillment without infringing on others. I gotta take care of me sometimes… Stay safe! Ideally, I enjoy being alone. Learn to manage your physical, mental, and emotional health so that you can enjoy your day-to-day life more and reduce the risk of various health problems later down the road. Just like all things, there’s a spectrum. As the other articles in this series have pointed out, self-care doesn’t need to cost a ton of money, nor does it have to take a lot of time. Resting doesn’t always mean sleeping, either. Certain professions can be exceptionally draining. I’ll go back to writing about blogging and making money on the side again next week, but for now, here’s a little piece of me at my most vulnerable, me-moment. I miss that too. But with all my shamelessly self-pitying aside, I now want to venture out and go to my tiny library around the block and find something and HOPE (good god i hope) to get sucked and addicted to a new story ?. Everyone wants to add healthier habits to their lifestyle. You know … Only when you’re taken care of can you help take care of others too. Will we go back to how things were before? Listening to Malcolm made me realize that I was starting to do that myself — be generic and a little inauthentic. If you’re sad, sit with the sadness. The first step to taking care of yourself is recognizing that it needs to be done. So I've learned the hard way: Take care of yourself. and the response from all of you on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest could not have been more positive.Many of you asked for more quotes, so here they are! It’s time to end a relationship, job, or living situation. Thank you again for reading my blog 🙂. I’m an introvert also so I’ve enjoyed working at home, although I do go into work once a week to break the monotony. Then why are we still feeling like self-care is selfish? When the word “selfish” comes to mind, it often sparks negative connotations at first. Thank you, Kaitie, appreciate the kind words 🙂 Cross stitching has a feeling of nostalgia for me. Thanks for the comment and the kind words Gemma, appreciate it. Taking care of yourself is simply realizing that you’re also important. If you need an unbiased outside voice, seek therapy. It didn’t do anything noteworthy. Your email is safe here; no spam, like, EVER! If you’ve been going nonstop, your mood is all out of whack, or you need to reevaluate your relationships, now may be a good time to plan some alone time. My new ‘quarantine hobby’ is cross stitch embroidery! Thank you so much for sharing, Maliha. Whether your brain is feeling off-balance or you have a health condition flare up, consider it a sick day and take the time off. The airlines have it right. Drink more water. He reminded me that it pays off to be different. I exercise, read, and reflect. If the stress of a work project is getting to you, ask a co-worker for assistance or delegate tasks. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. And of course, being a single, introverted, extremely private person also means that my thoughts are usually jumbled up inside my head, with no outlet or respite. It gives you a chance to walk away and take care of yourself instead of trying to fix it. When we ground ourselves in the present and make mental space to find clarity, this is taking care. It’s what draws me to your blog and keeps me coming back. As you become stressed, self-care is usually the first thing to go. I really feel that I need to take care of myself otherwise I will become a big problem for me. Sometimes I even indulge. Skipping too much sleep can even have a negative impact on your relationships. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read the full, Sign up for weekly tips on blogging, branding, design, business, and monetizing your hobbies and skills. In fact, I’ve started to exercise again since coming back from the hike and feeling better than ever! You have to put your own oxygen mask on first. From exercise to mantras, here are 25 quick ways…. It then evolved into caring for your emotional well-being, and even more so the overall healing for women, people of color, and more marginalized communities. Keep Lists. Ahhhhh it’s so nice to see someone else as introverted as me write about life in quarantine. Taking good care of yourself is paramount to the success of your recovery process. Some people might not get it when you choose staying home over going out. And chronic stress has been linked to a number of health risks, including conditions like diabetes, cancer, and mental illnesses. Here are the 10 best pre-workout…. “Self-care is both action and the way you talk to yourself.” It’s about giving yourself permission to pause, she said, even taking a few minutes to enjoy the region’s beauty. All rights reserved. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Take Care Of Yourself quotes ... What I know about this world is that white people will take care of themselves. Thanks again for your comment, and for reading my blog; appreciate it 🙂, Your email address will not be published. Ultimately, it boils down to the fact that we think others are worth more … Thank you so much for the kind words, Lucie. – Media Kits for Bloggers and Freelancers, Support TSBAffiliate DisclosureTerms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyContact, This post may contain affiliate links. Besides, taking breaks to look after yourself will help you refocus especially when solving complicated problems. Other people forget when to eat. Eat What’s Right for Your Body. Creating this work-life balance can help you avoid burnout and bring more happiness to your personal life. Without self care, it will be hard for you to function at your best. I’ve also been trying to watch my spending because, well, life during a pandemic is unpredictable. To instead try to live for the good of all humankind, since giving is taught as preferential to taking? There are times when being selfish is the right thing to do for your health and well-being. As Gretchen Weiners of Mean Girls once said, “Let it … This might leave you feeling a little selfish or guilty. It’s not self-sustaining to continue a relationship — or job or anything, especially one that’s in any way abusive — that no longer makes you happy. If you’re angry about the world, feel your anger. If something is affecting your well-being, it might be time to say goodbye. Always looking forward to your posts, This is the first of several self care blog posts. Researchers say not getting enough rest can make it more difficult to do simple tasks and can lead to frustration. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. There’s no shame in taking time for yourself. Sometimes being “selfish” isn’t a bad thing. I’ve been joking around saying I may actually become more social once things start to resemble “normal” again. You might lie awake in bed, thinking about how you should have done something different or been better in some other way. Water helps all of your body’s systems and processes function more efficiently. No one would call us selfish for following those instructions. You can judge how well you take care of yourself by noting how you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. I have had to restructure my life and how I used to do things, and I still don’t know when all of this will change again. I am a developer and I had to work day and night. By setting aside time to achieve your goals, tasks become part of your daily routine, and you’ll find that you have fewer excuses not to take care of yourself. I just want to encourage you to give yourself the same love and care that you give to others. Replace the negative with the positive. Your email address will not be published. But if staying in helps you prioritize yourself and your own energy and healing, are you really being selfish? How to Set Up a WordPress Blog on SiteGround, Blogging Resources for Success and Productivity. Whether we acknowledge it or not, sometimes asking for help can make you feel incompetent, weak, or needy — even if not asking for help means adding unnecessary stress. Redefining what it actually means to be selfish, So, repeat after me: I won’t beat myself up for being ‘selfish’, number of consequences to not getting enough sleep, How to Own Your Short Temper and Stay in Control, Shaving Correctly More Important Than Frequency to Avoid Burns or Rashes, How to Control Anger: 25 Tips to Help You Stay Calm, Paying More Attention to Your Partner Can Lead to a Longer Life, The Top 10 Pre-Workout Supplements for Muscle Gain. I’ve been going for long walks these days, and that has been somewhat therapeutic. You might have been told that you need to take better care of yourself, but advice like that can seem pretty useless if you have no clue how to take care of yourself. Although it can fluctuate, any relationship should have a good balance of give-and-take. But we’re both single and were going a little crazy. If you need companionship, ask a friend for support. Here are some questions … Do you find yourself doing all the errands and chores when you get home from work while they come home and put their feet up? This post may contain affiliate links. She’s also an avid enthusiast for the three P’s: puppies, pillows, and potatoes. While at home, I’ve been taking the time to learn about blogging, catch up on journaling, pretty much figuring out how to write; pretty much figuring out how to navigate the blogging and writing world. It doesn’t matter that you’re emotionally and physically exhausted, or that your mental health is suffering. To take care of yourself means owning up to your mistakes, loving your flaws, and celebrating your successes. If you’re a writer and wanting to get better at your craft, I highly, HIGHLY recommend Malcolm’s MasterClass. Or will it be something completely new? It can be best described as helping others by helping yourself first. But we often feel like we have to keep going. I stay awake often scared shitless because this feels like the fictional dystopia… only, this ain’t fiction. My mother used to do that, and she taught me how to do it when I was a kid. I love this post! Selfishness doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The lesson here is to pay attention to your body. Unfortunately, this ‘reminder’ usually comes when we’ve reached a low point, or we’re really run down. Often the things people do for self-care do not ease my nerves. I don’t even know why it was great, but it was great. Thank you for putting words to it and encouraging us to make it happen. Learn how to release it in a productive way. I already invested a significant amount of money in some blogging related courses (Facebook ads for bloggers is one of them) and some online classes on Coursera recently. I keep dreaming about and pining for the good old days when life was… easier. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Everyone feels differently after they eat certain foods. I’ve been pouring over my blog (it’s still a baby), avoiding the news and social media (which can make me feel even more isolated but I think it’s worth it), and developing a borderline-unhealthy obsession for comedy TV (i say “unhealthy” because it’s my way of avoiding reality and anything that may… dare i say “trigger” ? It’s easy to believe pushing yourself will pay off, … I try to look at the bright side — protests will lead to social justice, fires will lead to awareness for climate change, a pandemic will prepare us for the next pandemic, job losses will make us think about money differently, loss of health insurance may force politicians to consider healthcare for all, etc. So I really didn’t want to spend any more money until the end of the year. 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