How I Prioritize My Self Care + Why You Should Too

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

 



Self care is a term that most people throw around here and there but it's not taken as seriously as it should be.  Some people view self care as selfish because they are putting themselves in front of others.... but don't we owe it to ourselves to do that? 



My mom had a book when I was growing up called How Full Is Your Bucket?  The whole point of it was to explain that you can spend all your time pouring what's in your bucket, to other people's buckets that are empty...but if you don't have anything in your own.... you won't be able to pour it out for others.  You need to fill your own bucket first.  

So I can sit here and give you a million tips on what you SHOULD be doing...or I can just show you what I've been doing in the hopes that it will influence and motivate you to better take care of yourself. 


So my life can get pretty crazy. Days and weeks often fly by in the blink of an eye. I work full time Monday-Friday, volunteer every Monday, volunteer 2 additional days a month, take care of my 4 dogs, meal plan and cook dinner everyday and week, and keep the house clean.  Of course I don't have kids, but I do have a blog that manages to fill lots of time as well as dogs that can act like babies some of the time.  So for me, taking time to myself is very important. 


Of course I’m very mindful what products I use on my body or what I eat, and I have been using CBD a lot lately. Specifically, Extract Lab’s tinctures like Banana Foster. I enjoy nourishing myself with earth based products and these CBD tinctures are great because they contain plant compounds that support health and wellness and CBD personally makes me feel calm but clear headed. But aside from that, what actual practices do I do for self care? Well....

Self Care Sundays
I actually write SELF CARE SUNDAY on my planner book every Sunday when I have no plans. Even if someone asks if I'm free I will completely tell them I'm not and not feel bad about it at all.  Sunday is a transitional day for me.  In the morning it's great because I don't have to wake up and rush off to work but by the afternoon the Sunday Scaries can start to kick in as I anticipate the work week ahead.  So it's super important for me to just relax and do whatever I wish on Sundays.  Sometimes that means being lazy and reading on the couch all day and other times it means laying in the pool in the summer time working on my tan.  If there's a day of the week you have off that you want to dedicate to YOU and what YOU want to do, call it a self care do and note it on your calendar so you commit to just taking time to yourself. 

Why You Should Do It: Because every one needs down time to regroup.  Sunday Scaries are a real thing and if you've ever felt that feeling of dread about returning to work, you need to make the transition easier on yourself by easing into it. So turn your phone off, go on a hike, or read a good book. Just do you, boo boo!



I Pamper Myself Every Month
Getting my nails done every month is a way to pamper myself and the powder dip I get actually protects my nails from breaking and they grow SO LONG.  I actually have a category in my budget for my hair and nails and every paycheck, I set money aside for just those things.  

Why You Should Do It: Because it feels good.  If you're short on money, then still pamper yourself at home.  Do an at home spa day where you wear a face mask and paint your own toe nails.   It's a luxurious feeling to quite literally take care of yourself and it should always be prioritized. 



Being Alone

I like to hang out with myself more than I like to hang out with other people.  I don't know why, and quite frankly I don't need to know why.  I like being alone. I'd much rather be alone than with someone else doing the same task. It's draining for me to be around others, although I do like being social some times.

Why You Should Do It: It's important to know how to be alone without being bored and to be your own best friend.  Enjoy your own company. Work on things you've been wanting to work on. Cater to yourself and not the needs of others.  Even if friends pressure you, do what YOU want to do first. 




I Spend Time In Nature

Whether you love the outdoors or not, sitting and observing nature is one of the most relaxing and rewarding experiences.  I can literally understand the tweets and calls of the different birds in my backyard because I observe them so much. I know which birds are screaming danger, what type of danger it is (usually a cat or a hawk), and which birds like to hang around the yard on a regular basis.  Too often we are on our phones checking our feeds when we've got some down time.  I put the phone down, and I look around and take it all in. It's very rewarding. I notice things that I definitely wouldn't see if I wasn't actively observing.  

Why You Should Do It: Just sit and watch your bird feeder for twenty minutes. It will relax you and distract you.  Often times people meditate while sitting quietly in nature.  We are all connected to this planet because we came from it, so it's a very magical experience to just sit with nature and just be. 

I Say No
Saying no is the most empowering thing you can ever do as a human being.  You are taking control and making a choice to not do something that doesn't serve you.  DON'T FEEL GUILTY SAYING NO.  Also, don't feel guilty telling a little white lie to get yourself off the hook easier.  If someone asks me to hang out and I know they're going to hassle me if I say no, I just say no, I have other plans. And I keep it at that.  

Why You Should Do It: You don't owe anyone anything.  Stop feeling obligated to serve other people while sacrificing your own joy or happiness.  If you don't want to do something, don't do it. It feels so good to take back that power.  I promise. 

What are you doing to better focus on your own self care? 



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